A
The dilemma of Hazrat Umar R.A
When Hazrat Umar R.A lay on his death bed, the question that vexed him was whether he
should or should not nominate his successor. If he did not nominate a successor he would be
following the precedent set by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). On the other hand if he nominated a
successor he would be following the precedent of Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A.
have the casting vote. Pending the election of the Caliph, Hazrat Suhaib RA was to lead the
prayers. When the Caliph was elected, the prayers were to be led by him.
"Suppose I do not choose you; in that case whom would you like me to choose? " Ali said, "In
that case you may choose Hazrat Usman RA". Hazrat Usman RA was interviewed next, and he
was asked the question, "If you are not selected who should be the next choice?" Hazrat Usman
RA said, "In that case the obvious choice would
be Ali". When Hazrat Zubair b Awamm RA was put the same question he said, "Hazrat Ali RA or
Hazrat Usman RA. When Hazrat Saad b Abi Waqas RA was interviewed he said that he would
like Hazrat Abdul Rahman b Auf RA to be the Caliph. Hazrat Abdul Rahman RA said that as he
had withdrawn from the contest his choice should be from among the other four members.Hazrat
Saad b Abi Waqas RA said that in that case, Hazrat Usman RA would be his choice.
Analyzing these answers, Hazrat Abdul Rahman b Auf RA came to the conclusion that Hazrat
Usman RA commanded the majority of votes among the members of the selection committee.
Thereafter Hazrat Abdul Rahman b Auf RA proceeded to consult the other leaders of public
opinion in Madina. Some Bedouiin chiefs had arrived in Madina to participate in the funeral
ceremonies of Hazrat Umar RA. Hazrat Abdul Rahman b Auf RA consulted these men as well.
Obviously the choice lay between Hazrat Ali RA and Hazrat Usman RA. Out of these Hazrat Ali
RA was still young being less than fifty, while Hazrat Usman RA was old being nearly seventy.
According to the Arab traditions of respect for old age the common men expressed themselves in
favor of Hazrat Usman RA, the older among the two candidates.