Hazrat Umar's (ra) Demise & Hazrat Uthman's (ra) Election

Prior to his demise, Hazrat Umar (ra) formed a committee for the election of Khilafat. With regard to this, there is a detailed account found in Sahih Bukhari:

“When the time of Hazrat Umar’s (ra) demise was near, the people said to him, ‘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 (ra) bin Auf and said, ‘Abdullah bin Umar (ra) will be a witness to you, but he will not be entitled to the station of Khilafat. This was said in order to grant comfort to Abdullah bin Umar (ra). 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 because I have not removed him from his position owing to any incompetence or dishonesty on his part.’

Hazrat Umar (ra) added, ‘I recommend that my successor takes care of the early 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 their good works, and 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, we walked out whilst carrying him. Abdullah bin Umar (ra) greeted Hazrat Aisha (ra) and said, ‘Umar bin al-Khattab seeks permission to enter.’ Hazrat Aisha (ra) said, ‘Bring him in.’ He was brought in and buried beside his two companions.

When he was buried, the individuals who were named by Hazrat Umar (ra) gathered together. Abdur Rahman(ra) then said, ‘Select any three candidates among you for Khilafat.’ Hazrat Zubair (ra) said, ‘I give up my right to vote to Abdur Rahman (ra) bin Auf.’ Abdur Rahman then said to Hazrat Uthman (ra) and Hazrat Ali (ra), ‘‘Whichever 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 Almighty will choose the one Who He deems most worthy.’ Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) 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 (sa) and you hold a lofty status within Islam, which you are aware of. I ask you by Allah to promise that 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 said the same to him. When Hazrat Abdur Rahman secured this covenant from both of them, he then said, ‘O Uthman (ra)! Extend your hand.’ Thus, Hazrat Abdur Rahman (ra) took the pledge of allegiance followed by Hazrat Ali (ra) and the members within the household also came and pledged their allegiance.”

(Kitabul Fazail Ashabin Nabi, Hadith 3700)