Usman's Election as caliph

Question 1

How was Hazrat Usman (R.A) elected as the third caliph?

Answer 1

• Hazrat Umar (R.A), before his death, formed a Shura (consultation committee) of six eminent companions to select the next caliph.
• The members were:
  (1) Hazrat Ali (R.A)
  (2) Hazrat Usman (R.A)
  (3) Zubair ibn Awwam (R.A)
  (4) Abdur Rehman bin Auf (R.A)
  (5) Talha (R.A)
  (6) Sa’ad bin Abi Waqas (R.A)
• The final decision was to be confirmed through bay’a (pledge of allegiance) by the Muslim population.

Question 2

Why were these six companions chosen for the Shura?

Answer 2

These six companions chosen for the Shura as:

• They were among the most eminent companions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
• The Prophet (P.B.U.H) had given them tidings of Paradise during their lifetimes.

Question 3

Who made the final decision in the election of Hazrat Usman (R.A)?

Answer 3

• The panel could not decide even after long meetings.
• Abdur Rehman bin Auf (R.A) withdrew his name and was given the authority to make the final decision.

Question 4

What factor restricted the choice to four members instead of six?

Answer 4

• Talha (R.A) was not present in Madinah, so the decision was restricted to the remaining four members.

Question 5

How did Abdur Rehman bin Auf (R.A) consult the remaining candidates?

Answer 5

• He asked Sa’ad bin Abi Waqas (R.A), who supported Hazrat Usman (R.A).
• Zubair ibn Awwam (R.A) mentioned both Hazrat Usman (R.A) and Hazrat Ali (R.A).
• Hazrat Usman (R.A) voted for Hazrat Ali (R.A), and Hazrat Ali (R.A) voted for Hazrat Usman (R.A).
• He also asked both if they would follow the Quran, Sunnah, and the example of the first two caliphs if elected.
• Hazrat Usman (R.A) agreed to all three conditions.
• Hazrat Ali (R.A) agreed only to follow the Quran and Sunnah, but not necessarily the first two caliphs.

Question 6

How was Hazrat Usman (R.A) officially chosen as Caliph?

Answer 6

• Abdur Rehman bin Auf (R.A) consulted prominent figures in Madinah.
• The majority favored Hazrat Usman (R.A).
• He was declared as the third Khalifa.
• Abdur Rehman bin Auf (R.A) was the first to take the bay’a (pledge of allegiance), followed by Hazrat Ali (R.A) and other companions.
• A general bay’a was taken in Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque).

Question 7

When did Hazrat Usman (R.A) officially become the Caliph?

Answer 7

Hazrat Usman (R.A) officially became the Caliph on the 4th Muharram, 24 A.H (644 AD).

Question 8

What title did Hazrat Usman (R.A) take after becoming Caliph?

Answer 8

He took the title of “Khalifat Allah” (Vicegerent of Allah).