342 - Muhammad informed us, saying: Waki' reported to us, from Isra'il, from Abu Ishaq, from 'Amr ibn Maymun, who said: 'Umar said when he was near death: "Summon 'Ali, 'Uthman, Talhah, al-Zubayr, 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf, and Sa'd for me." He said: No one was present from among them except 'Ali and 'Uthman. He said: "O 'Ali, perhaps these people recognize your kinship, and the knowledge and jurisprudence Allah has granted you. So fear Allah, and if you are entrusted with this matter, do not place the sons of so-and-so over the necks of the people." And he said: "O 'Uthman, perhaps these people recognize your affinity to the Messenger of Allah, your age, and your honor. So if you are entrusted with this matter, fear Allah, and do not place the sons of so-and-so over the necks of the people." Then he said: "Summon Suhayb for me." He said: "Lead the people in prayer for three [days], and let these people gather, and let them be alone with this group [of candidates]. If they agree upon a man, then strike the head of whoever opposes them."