"The Prophet (ﷺ) became sick and when his disease became aggravated, he said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer." `Aisha said, "He is a softhearted man and would not be able to lead the prayer in your place." The Prophet (ﷺ) said again, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." She repeated the same reply but he said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. You are the companions of Joseph." So the messenger went to Abu Bakr (with that order) and he led the people in prayer in the lifetime of the Prophet.
Call to Prayers (Adhaan)
Sahih al-Bukhari 678
Hadith Text
"The Prophet (ﷺ) became sick and when his disease became aggravated, he said, 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer.' `Aisha said, 'He is a softhearted man and would not be able to lead the prayer in your place.' The Prophet (ﷺ) said again, 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.' She repeated the same reply but he said, 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. You are the companions of Joseph.' So the messenger went to Abu Bakr (with that order) and he led the people in prayer in the lifetime of the Prophet."
Scholarly Commentary
This narration establishes the virtue of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) and his precedence in leading the Muslim community. The Prophet's insistence despite Aisha's valid concern demonstrates that leadership in prayer is not merely about emotional strength but about divine appointment and spiritual merit.
The phrase "You are the companions of Joseph" refers to women's tendency toward protective compassion, like the women who cut their hands seeing Joseph's beauty. Here, it indicates Aisha's loving concern shouldn't override the divine wisdom in appointing Abu Bakr.
This hadith also proves the permissibility of appointing a deputy for prayer leadership during illness, and confirms Abu Bakr's rightful succession to community leadership after the Prophet's passing, as he was already established as prayer imam during the Prophet's final illness.