Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

272 'Ali ibn Abi Ta'lih at the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs
The consultative process and the selection of the caliph were
supervised by 'Abdur-Rbin ibn 'Awf (&), who demonstrated
the consultative process in a systematic fashion for the first time in
selecting the one who would bear the burdens of caliphate and
manage the affairs of the Muslims. He resorted to a method of great
deliberation, patience, resolve and proper management that
guaranteed him success in fulfilling his great mission.'98 He led the
consultative council in a skilful and unbiased manner that deserves
the greatest respect.199 Adh-Dhahabi said: "Among the best deeds of
'Ahdur-R- were his withdrawal from the race at the time of
consultation and his choosing for the Ummah the one recommended
by the people of prominence and evidence. He performed his mission
in the best manner and united the Ummah behind 'Uthmin (&). If
he had been biased, he would have taken the caliphate for himself or
he would have appointed his cousin and the closest of the people to
him, Sa'd ibn Abi ~aqqi$."~~~
There was unanimous agreement that allegiance would be
sworn to 'Uthmh (&) following the dawn prayer on the chosen
day, which was the last day of Dhul-Hijah 23 AH/ 6 November 644
CE. Suhayb ar-Roomi was leading the prayer when 'Abdw-R&m&
ibn 'Awf came, wearing the turban that the Messenger of Allah (g)
had put on his head. The men of the consultative committee had
gathered by the minbar, and he sent for those of the Muhijireen,
An$% and army commanders who were present, among whom were
Mu'iwiyah the govemor of Syria, 'Umayr ibn Sa'd the governor of
Homs and 'Amr ihn al-'A$ the govemor of Egypt. They had gone for
hajj with 'Umar (&) and had come with him to adi in ah."'
According to the report of Bukhari: "When the people had prayed the
dawn prayer, and those men (the consultative committee) had
gathered by the minbar, he sent for those of the Mnhijireen and
An$& who were present and the commanders of the m y, who had