the mother of the believers: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in his illness said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." I said to him, "If Abu Bakr stands in your place, the people would not hear him owing to his (excessive) weeping. So please order `Umar to lead the prayer." `Aisha added I said to Hafsa, "Say to him: If Abu Bakr should lead the people in the prayer in your place, the people would not be able to hear him owing to his weeping; so please, order `Umar to lead the prayer." Hafsa did so but Allah's Apostle said, "Keep quiet! You are verily the Companions of Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer. " Hafsa said to `Aisha, "I never got anything good from you."
Hadith Commentary: The Successor in Prayer Leadership
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 679 presents a profound moment during the final illness of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, demonstrating the divine wisdom in establishing leadership succession. When 'Aisha and Hafsa suggested 'Umar instead of Abu Bakr due to his emotional state, the Prophet ﷺ firmly responded, "Keep quiet! You are verily the Companions of Joseph," indicating their beautiful concern resembled that of Joseph's brothers, but divine decree supersedes human preference.
Scholarly Analysis: The "Companions of Joseph" Reference
Classical scholars explain that the Prophet's ﷺ reference to "Companions of Joseph" serves as a gentle reproof, comparing their well-intentioned but misguided interference to Joseph's brothers who acted with apparent concern while being unaware of divine wisdom. This teaches us that while personal opinions may seem logical, they must yield to prophetic instruction.
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this analogy highlights how even righteous suggestions must not override established divine commands, especially regarding matters of religious leadership and community welfare.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes several key principles: Abu Bakr's preeminence as the most qualified successor, the validity of prayer behind an emotionally affected imam, and the importance of adhering to the Prophet's ﷺ instructions without alteration. The incident also demonstrates that excessive weeping during worship doesn't invalidate leadership, provided the prayer's conditions are met.
Scholars emphasize that this event foreshadowed the caliphate succession, showing divine preparation for the community's leadership transition. The Prophet's ﷺ insistence on Abu Bakr, despite apparent obstacles, confirms his divinely-inspired judgment in matters affecting the ummah's future.