How sound is the report in Sahih Muslim regarding Mu'awiyah's request to Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas to curse Ali ibn Abi Talib, and how did Mu'awiyah assume the caliphate despite the presence of companions more worthy than him?

The hadith narrated by Muslim from Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas concerning Ali ibn Abi Talib is established and authentic. Mu'awiya's question to Sa'd, "What prevented you from cursing Abu Turab?" does not indicate that Mu'awiya commanded cursing, but rather inquired about the reason for his abstention. Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah (Sunnis) trust all the Companions, preserve their virtues, refrain from delving into their disputes, and believe that what occurred between them was based on ijtihad (independent reasoning); the one who was correct receives two rewards, and the one who erred receives one reward. Mu'awiya was worthy of theorship, and senior Companions and al-Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) pledged allegiance to him.