To what extent is it true that Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, took a stance upon assuming the Caliphate, saying: "Shall I rule according to what the Two Sheikhs ruled?"

Upon research, the mentioned phrases were not found. It has been established that Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf stipulated to Uthman at the time of the pledge of allegiance that he would pledge allegiance to him according to the Sunnah of Allah and His Messenger and the two Caliphs after him, and Uthman agreed to that. Ibn Hajar mentioned that Abd al-Rahman pledged allegiance to Uthman according to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and the two Caliphs after him. Uthman accepted, and the Muhajirun and Ansar then pledged allegiance to him. There is a narration from Abdullah ibn Ahmad indicating that Abd al-Rahman offered Ali the pledge of allegiance according to the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger, and the conduct of Abu Bakr and Umar. Ali stipulated, "as much as I am able," while Uthman accepted it. However, this narration has a weak chain of transmission.