Member of the Khilafat Electoral Committee
In relation to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) demise and of Hazrat Zubair’s (ra) nomination as part of the electoral committee and the subsequent election of Khilafat, there is a narration of Bukhari which is as follows:
“When Hazrat Umar (ra) was close to his demise, the people said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! Appoint a successor after you as part of your will.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘I do not find anyone more suitable for the station of Khilafat than the following persons whom the Holy Prophet (sa) had been pleased with before he passed away’. Then Hazrat Umar (ra) mentioned the names of Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Uthman (ra), Hazrat Zubair (ra), Hazrat Talha (ra), Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) and Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra) and said, Abdullah bin Umar(ra) will be a witness to you, but he will not be entitled to the station of Khilafat. Hazrat Umar (ra) then said, ‘If Khilafat is granted to Sa‘d (ra), then he will be Khalifa, otherwise whoever becomes the Khalifa should continue to seek assistance from Sa‘d (ra) because I have not removed him from his office owing to any incompetence or dishonesty on his part.’
Hazrat Umar (ra) added, ‘I first and foremost recommend that my successor takes care of the Muhajireen [those Muslims who migrated to Medina]; to know their rights and to protect their honour. I also urge to show kindness to the Ansar, for they allowed faith to enter their homes in Medina even before the arrival of the Muhajireen. I recommend that he should accept the good deeds from among them and whoso is at fault from among them, they ought to be forgiven. I recommend that he should do good to all the people of the towns, as they are the protectors of Islam and the source of wealth and a means of frustrating the enemy. I also recommend that nothing be taken from them except from their surplus with their consent.
I also recommend that he do good to the Arab Bedouins, as they are the natives of Arabia and they make up the core following of Islam. He should take that from among their possessions which they are not in need of and distribute it amongst their needy. I also recommend him concerning those people who are under the protection of Allah and His Messenger (sa), to fulfil the covenants that have been established with them and to defend them and not to overburden them with what is beyond their ability.’”
When Hazrat Umar (ra) passed away and they completed the burial proceedings, all six people named by Hazrat Umar (ra) gathered together. Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra) stated:
“Select any three candidates among you for Khalifat.” Hazrat Zubair (ra) said, “I give my vote to Hazrat Ali (ra).” Hazrat Talha (ra) said, “I give my vote to Hazrat Uthman (ra).” Hazrat Sa‘d (ra) said, “I give my vote to Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra).”
Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) then said to Hazrat Uthman (ra) and Hazrat Ali (ra), “Whoever of you withdraws their name, we will entrust him with the responsibility [in regards to who will be granted leadership] and Allah and Islam will be their guardian and Allah the Almighty will choose the one Who He deems most worthy.” Upon hearing this, both noble men fell silent. Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) then said, “Will you both leave this matter to me, and I take Allah as my Witness that I will not choose, but the better of you?” Both of them agreed. So Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) took the hand of one of them and said, “You are related to Allah’s Messenger (ra) and you hold a lofty status within Islam, which you are aware of. Allah is your guardian – if I select you as our leader will you do justice? And if I select Uthman (ra) as our leader, will you listen to him and obey him?” Then Hazrat Abdur Rahman(ra) took the other aside and advised him in a similar manner. When Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra) secured this covenant from both of them, he then said, “O Uthman (ra)! Extend your hand.” He [i.e., Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra)] then took the pledge of allegiance followed by Hazrat Ali (ra) and the members within the household also came and pledged their allegiance to Hazrat Uthman (ra).
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fazail al-Sahaba al-Nabi, Hadith no. 3700)