William Muir

“ The courts of the Mosque overflowed with expectant worshippers assembled for the morning service. 'Abd ar-Rahman addressed them thus:—"The people think that the governors, chiefs, and captains from abroad should, without further waiting, return to their respective posts. Wherefore advise me now in this matter." 'Ammar, late governor of Al-Kufa, said: "If it be thy desire that there be no division in the land, then salute 'Ali Caliph!" and Al-Mikdad affirmed the same. "Nay," cried Ibn abi Sarh, "if it be thy desire that there be no division, then salute 'Othman!" ”

“ But some more definite choice he would, in all probability, have formed. We know that the perils of disunion hung heavily on his mind. The unbridled arrogance of the Arabian tribes at Al-Kufa and Al-Basra, flushed with the glory and spoils of war, was already felt to be a growing danger; while family rivalries among Koreish themselves had begun to weaken their hold upon the people. So much is plain, that ('Abd ar-Rahman excepted) 'Omar saw no one amongst them endowed with sufficient power and influence to hold the reins of government ”

“ He had hitherto, from inactive temperament, remained passive at the Caliph's court; but, of quick and high intelligence, he had ever held a distinguished place in the counsels of 'Omar. In the absence of any leading competitor, his claim could now no longer be left out of sight, nor, without want of spirit, fail to be asserted by himself. 'Othman was his only real rival. Years carried weight with 'Othman, for he was now close on seventy. Attractive in person and carriage, he early gained the hand of Rokeiya, the Prophet's daughter. ”