Narrated Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both): When Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was wounded, it was said to him, "Why do you not appoint a successor (caliph)?" He replied, "If I appoint a successor, there is a precedent for it, as someone better than me appointed a successor, meaning Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). And if I leave it to the opinion of the Muslims, there is also a precedent for that, as someone better than me left the selection (of the caliph) to the Muslims, meaning the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)." Then the people praised him, and he said, "Some praise me from their hearts, and some out of fear. Now, I consider it sufficient if I escape from the responsibilities of the caliphate with equality before Allah—neither do I receive any reward, nor any punishment. I have borne the burden of the caliphate throughout my life. Now, at death, I will not bear this burden."