This meant that the choice was narrowed down to these two men...

This meant that the choice was narrowed down to these two men, one of whom had to become khalifa, but which one? That evening, Abdur Rahman, the king-maker, called on his old friend, Amr bin Aas, explained to him his predicament, and added: “I have been so perplexed in this matter that I have known no rest for three days. Today is the last day, and I still have found no answer to our problem. What is troubling me is the fear lest Ali becomes the caliph.

And before Umar died, I gathered from his manner and attitude that he too was haunted by the same fear.” Amr bin Aas was much more skillful than Abdur Rahman or anyone else at the kind of game the latter was trying to play. He said: “I know the move that will checkmate Ali.” He then explained the move to Abdur Rahman. The latter welcomed the bright idea and felt happy and confident that he would preclude Ali from becoming the caliph.

On the following morning, the Muslims assembled in the Mosque of the Prophet. It was a momentous day in their lives when they would know who their future sovereign was going to be. Presently the king-maker and other members of the electoral committee also arrived and took their seats. After a brief pause the king-maker rose.

He made an announcement of the purpose of the gathering, underscored its importance, and called upon the Muslims to abide by the decision of the electoral committee which Umar had appointed. The air was charged with tension, and every man was keyed up, ready as if to snap any moment.

Abdur Rahman bin Auf, the king-maker, turned toward Ali, held his hand, and posed to him the following question: “If we give you charge of the government of the Muslims, and put you in authority over their affairs, do you solemnly promise to act according to the Book of God, the Sunna of His Apostle, and the precedents of Abu Bakr and Umar?” (The proviso to act according to the precedents of Abu Bakr and Umar was not stipulated by Umar himself.

It was the “move” which Amr bin Aas had suggested to Abdur Rahman bin Auf. He knew that Ali would not accept it.) Ali replied to the king-maker as follows: “I shall act according to the Book of God, and the Sunna of His Apostle. As for following the precedents of Abu Bakr and Umar, I have a judgment of my own, and I am going to use it.” Ali knew just what would happen next. The king-maker let his hand fall. He then turned to Uthman, and repeated the same question to him.

Uthman immediately agreed.