English translation
4656. It was narrated that Al-Aqra', the Mu'adh-dhin of 'Umar bin Al-Khaṭṭāb, said: "'Umar sent me to the bishop to summon him. 'Umar said to him: 'Do you find me in the Book?' He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'How do you find me?' He said: 'I find you like a castle.' He raised his stick and said to him: 'What do you mean by a castle?' He said: 'A strong, safe castle.' He said: 'How do you find the one who will come after me?' He said: 'I find him to be a righteous Khalifah but he will favor his relatives.' 'Umar said: 'May Allāh have mercy on 'Uthmān' - three times. Then he said: 'How do you find the one who will come after him?' He said: 'Like rust on a sword (because of using the sword a great deal).' Umar put his hand on his head and said: 'O filthy one, O filthy one!' He said: 'O Commander of the Believers, he is a righteous Khalifah but he will be appointed Khalifah when the sword is unsheathed and blood is being shed.' (Sahih)
