Hanbal said: I heard Sulayman ibn Harb, when Khayyat al-Sunnah asked him about the preference (between the Companions), say: "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, passed away while Abu Bakr was the best of people after him. Then Abu Bakr passed away, and 'Umar was the best of people after him. Then 'Umar passed away, and 'Uthman was the best of people after him." He said: Sulayman said: "Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and 'Uthman, and we remain silent (regarding the rest)."