Anas bin Malik Al-Ansari, told me, "Abu Bakr used to lead the people in prayer during the fatal illness of the Prophet (ﷺ) till it was Monday. When the people aligned (in rows) for the prayer the Prophet (ﷺ) lifted the curtain of his house and started looking at us and was standing at that time. His face was (glittering) like a page of the Qur'an and he smiled cheerfully. We were about to be put to trial for the pleasure of seeing the Prophet, Abu Bakr retreated to join the row as he thought that the Prophet (ﷺ) would lead the prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) beckoned us to complete the prayer and he let the curtain fall. On the same day he died."
Historical Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 680 describes the final days of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during his terminal illness, when Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) assumed leadership of congregational prayers.
Significance of the Monday
Monday holds special importance in Islamic tradition as the day of the Prophet's birth, the beginning of his prophethood, and ultimately his passing - completing his earthly mission.
The Prophet's Final Appearance
The description of his face "glittering like a page of the Qur'an" indicates the profound spiritual light and purity that characterized the Prophet even in his final moments, reflecting his complete embodiment of Divine revelation.
Leadership Transition
Abu Bakr's retreat to the prayer rows demonstrates the companions' respect for proper leadership hierarchy and their continuous deference to the Prophet's authority until his final breath.
Spiritual Lesson
The Prophet's gesture to continue the prayer under Abu Bakr's leadership signifies the completion of his mission and the establishment of the continuity of Islamic leadership through the rightly-guided caliphs.