My father said, "When Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) became seriously ill, he was told about the prayer. He said, 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer.' `Aisha said, 'Abu Bakr is a softhearted man and he would be overpowered by his weeping if he recited the Qur'an.' He said to them, 'Tell him (Abu Bakr) to lead the prayer. The same reply was given to him. He said again, 'Tell him to lead the prayer. You (women) are the companions of Joseph."
Call to Prayers (Adhaan)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 682
Hadith Text
My father said, "When Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) became seriously ill, he was told about the prayer. He said, 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer.' `Aisha said, 'Abu Bakr is a softhearted man and he would be overpowered by his weeping if he recited the Qur'an.' He said to them, 'Tell him (Abu Bakr) to lead the prayer. The same reply was given to him. He said again, 'Tell him to lead the prayer. You (women) are the companions of Joseph."
Commentary on the Appointment
The Prophet's insistence on Abu Bakr leading prayers during his illness demonstrates Abu Bakr's superiority and rightful position as successor. Despite `Aisha's valid concern about his emotional nature, the Prophet's repeated command indicates divine guidance in this matter, establishing Abu Bakr's precedence over all other companions.
The Reference to Joseph's Companions
When the Prophet said "You are the companions of Joseph," he was gently reminding `Aisha and the other women that their concern, while well-intentioned, resembled the emotional reasoning of the women in Prophet Joseph's story who were swayed by sentiment rather than divine wisdom.
Legal Implications
This hadith establishes that weeping during prayer does not invalidate it, nor does it disqualify one from leading prayers. It also demonstrates that the most qualified person should lead prayers regardless of emotional disposition, and that the Imam's appointment takes precedence over personal considerations.