Election of Hazrat Ali (ra) as Khalifa

Whatever the case may be, Hazrat Uthman (ra) was elected as Khalifa and matters returned to normal. When Hazrat Uthman (ra) was martyred, everyone rushed to Hazrat Ali (ra), among whom were the companions and Tabi‘een [the generation of Muslims who saw the Companions] and said that Hazrat Ali (ra) is the new Leader of the Believers [Amir-ul-Momineen]. They all went to his home and expressing their wish to take the pledge of allegiance, they asked him to extend his hand as they regarded him to be the most deserving of this lofty station. In response, Hazrat Ali (ra) said, “You do not have the right to make this assumption. This is the responsibility of the companions (ra) who participated in the Battle of Badr. The Khalifa can only be whoever they are pleased with.” Hence, all of the Badri companions (ra) came to Hazrat Ali (ra) and said, “We see no one more worthy than you in this matter, so extend your hand so that we may pledge our allegiance.” Hazrat Ali (ra) said, “Where is Hazrat Talha (ra) and Hazrat Zubair (ra)?” Thus, Hazrat Talha (ra) was the first to make the verbal pledge and Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) was the first to pledge his allegiance at the hand of Hazrat Ali (ra). When Hazrat Ali (ra) saw this, he went to the mosque, climbed to the pulpit and the first person to come up to him to pledge his allegiance was Hazrat Talha (ra). Thereafter, Hazrat Zubair (ra) and other Companions took the pledge of allegiance at the hand of Hazrat Ali (ra).

(Usdul-Ghaba Fi Marifat al-Sahaba, Vol. 4, p. 107, Kutub-ul-al-ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)