"The caliph of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) has summoned you."
Umar came to Abu Bakr and said, “Will you not seek the oath of allegiance from those who have refused to do so?[1] All the people have done your bay’at, save one person and his family. And these are just a few individuals.[2]”
As per the narration of Janabe’ Salman, Umar said, “Send a person to Hazrat Ali (a.s.) for his bay’at. We will not enjoy any position if he (a.s.) does not pay allegiance to you even though everyone else may do so.[3]”
Qunfuz returned shortly and narrated the message of Ali (a.s.), “The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) did not appoint any person other than myself as his successor and caliph.[4] How soon have you begun associating such lies with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.).[5]”
The narration of Ibne Abbas is thus – Hazrat Ali (a.s.) said, “How soon have you started associating such lies with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and how soon have you become murtad (turned away from Islam). By Allah! The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) did not appoint any person other than myself as his caliph. O Qunfuz, you are only a messenger. You go and inform them that, by Allah! the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) did not nominate you as his caliph and you are well aware who is the rightful successor of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.).[6]”
Qunfuz narrated the message of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) to Abu Bakr. At this Abu Bakr said, “Ali (a.s.) has spoken the truth. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) did not appoint me as his caliph.”
