Musnad Ahmad — Hadith #44949

Affan told us, Hammad bin Salamah told us, Abu Sinan told us, on the authority of Yazid bin Mawhib, that Uthman, may God be pleased with him, said to Ibn Omar, may God be pleased with him, judge between the people. He said, “I will not judge between two people, nor will I lead two men. Have you not heard the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace?” He said, “Whoever seeks refuge with Allah has sought refuge with Allah’s refuge.” Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Yes.” He said, “I seek refuge in Allah lest you employ me, so He pardoned him.” He said, “Don’t tell this to anyone.”