“Extend your hand so that we may pledge allegiance to you.” He replied, “Not until the people have consulted among themselves.” Some of them said, “If the people return to their cities after Uthmān’s killing without anyone assuming authority after him, there is no assurance against dissension and the corruption of the Muslim community.” They continued urging Alī (may Allah be pleased with him) to accept their pledge, and so they pledged allegiance to him. Talha and al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with them both) were among those who did so. They then went to Mecca to perform umrah, where they met Āisha (may Allah be pleased with her). After discussing Uthmān’s killing, they set out for Basra and asked Alī to hand Uthmān’s killers over to them (1). He did not accede to their request, for he was waiting for Uthmān’s next of kin to bring their case before him. If it were established that a particular person had participated in Uthmān’s killing, he would exact retribution from him. They disagreed over this. Those implicated in the killing—namely, the rebels against Uthmān—feared that the two sides would reconcile and agree to put them to death, so they instigated fighting between them (2).

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had foretold that a matter would arise between Alī and Āisha. Abū Rāfi relates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Alī ibn Abī Tālib, “A matter will arise between you and Āisha.” He asked, “Me, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Yes.” Alī said, “Then I shall be the most wretched of them, O Messenger of Allah.” He replied, “No. But when that happens, return her to a place of safety” (3).