Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) mentions, “An elderly man from the Ansaar informed me that at the time when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was selecting the Nuqabaa (leaders), Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) showed him each person who was to be selected by indicating towards him.”

Imaam Zuhri (rahimahullah) says that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed the Ansaar saying, “I am going to appoint twelve leaders from among you. None of you should feel offended if he is not chosen as a Naqeeb, because I am obliged to do as I am instructed.” Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam), who was seated next to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), would gesture towards the proposed Naqeeb, and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would accordingly appoint him.