Six-Member Council: Difference between revisions

Some say it was predictable that 'Uthman would be elected by the council. As [[Imam Ali (a)]] had anticipated, Sa'd would not disagree with his cousin 'Abd al-Rahman. On the other hand, 'Abd al-Rahman, who was 'Uthman's brother-in-law would vote for him. Concerning these factors, if Talha and Zubayr were Imam Ali (a)'s advocates, it would be useless; since 'Abd al-Rahman was supporter of 'Uthman.<ref>Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balāgha'', vol. 1, p. 188.</ref>

Sa'd stated he had the same vote with 'Abd al-Rahman, whatever he decides. Zubayr gave up nominating for caliphate in favor of Imam Ali (a). 'Abd al-Rahman announced he was not seeking caliphate. Talha, who was 'Abd al-Rahman's cousin and Imam Ali (a)'s opponent, gave up nominating in favor of 'Uthman. Therefore, the only candidates were Imam Ali (a) and 'Uthman,<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-'umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 3, p. 296; Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balāgha'', vol. 1, p. 188.</ref> meaning 'Abd al-Rahman's vote became very important and notable.

[['Abd al-Rahman b. 'Awf]] consulted with people especially with the elite and rulers. Ultimately, he declared his decision. He asked [[Imam Ali (a)]] if he could act according to the [[Holy Qur'an]], the Prophet's (s) tradition (sunna), and Abu Bakr's and 'Umar's approach in caliphate. Imam Ali (a) responded: "I hope I will act according to Qur'an and the Prophet's (s) tradition as much as my knowledge, my power, and my effort are" (means I will not go on the approach of previous caliphs). Then, 'Abd al-Rahman stated his conditions for 'Uthman and he immediately accepted. As the result, 'Abd al-Rahman b. Awf pledged allegiance to 'Uthman.