Appointment as the Khalifah (continued)
After appointing the Shura of six personalities, Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) further remarked, “I do not think that the people will regard any person to be as great as Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). These two Sahaabah would record the wahi with the instruction of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) at the time when Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) would bring the wahi to him.”
Before passing away, Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) appointed Hazrat Suhaib bin Sinaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to lead the salaah until the Khalifah was elected. When Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) breathed his last and it was time to perform his janaazah salaah, Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) both rushed forward as each wished to receive the honour of leading the janaazah salaah of Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). However, Hazrat ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “The two of you do not have the right to lead the salaah. The right to lead the salaah belongs to Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), as Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) appointed him to lead the people in salaah.”
In this manner, Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) went forward and led the people in the janaazah salaah of Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).
(To be continued insha Allah)
(Al-Bidaayah-wan-Nihaayah vol. 7 pg. 296)