For the first time...

For the first time, he confessed the truth of Abu Bakr's election, in his speech in Medina he said that election was without consulting the Muslims, thereafter caliphate should be based on Muslims' consultation; if anyone swore allegiance to someone without consulting, both should be killed.[^9] This speech led to the idea of one principle in choosing the caliph as outlined in this brief narrated phrase of caliph “al-Imara Shura”.[^10] What 'Umar said about the matter of succession shows that he himself was perplexed.

In the beginning, he wished his old friends were alive to make them caliphs. One of them was Mu'adh Ibn Jabal.[^11] The second person was Abu 'Ubayda Jarrah, third, present emigrants in Saqifa,[^12] and the forth one Salim Mawla Hudhayfa who was not of Quraysh.[^13] Surprisingly, despite all 'Umar's disagreements with Khalid Ibn Walid,[^14] he had been quoted saying, “If Khalid Ibn Walid were alive, he would be my successor.” [^15] Thus, it becomes obvious if one of these people were alive, it would not be a turn for Shura.[^16] In fact, all of his candidates for caliphate had passed away.

Thus, it was the turn for those alive. ”'Umar was with an Ansari (one companion),” says 'Abd al-Rahman Qari “when he got assured that the present people were confidant, he asked him about public opinion about his successor. He named some emigrants without mentioning 'Ali's. 'Umar objected and said, “Why not Abu al-Hasan?

If he comes to power, he will lead people to the truth.”[^17] Mughira Ibn Shu'ba says, ”'Umar asked me, who is qualified to be the successor?” I responded, ”'Uthman!” He criticised 'Uthman.

I also named five people of the council, on each of whom he placed an imperfection and accused Imam of being witty.”[^18] Though he said, “If he comes to power, he will lead all to the Truth.”[^19] 'Umar asked Ka'b al-Ahbar (who 'Umar believed was dealing with Scriptures)[^20] about his successor, he replied, ”'Ali is not qualified for it and as he had read in the books, those who have quarrelled with the Prophet (S) over faith could be caliphs.[^21] It seems that he had meant no one but the Umayyads and ahead of them 'Uthman.

'Uthman had a great influence during the ages of Abu Bakr and 'Umar.