I went to `Aisha and asked her to describe to me the illness of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). `Aisha said, "Yes. The Prophet became seriously ill and asked whether the people had prayed. We replied, 'No. O Allah's Apostle! They are waiting for you.' He added, 'Put water for me in a trough." `Aisha added, "We did so. He took a bath and tried to get up but fainted. When he recovered, he again asked whether the people had prayed. We said, 'No, they are waiting for you. O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ),' He again said, 'Put water in a trough for me.' He sat down and took a bath and tried to get up but fainted again. Then he recovered and said, 'Have the people prayed?' We replied, 'No, they are waiting for you. O Allah's Apostle.' He said, 'Put water for me in the trough.' Then he sat down and washed himself and tried to get up but he fainted. When he recovered, he asked, 'Have the people prayed?' We said, 'No, they are waiting for you. O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The people were in the mosque waiting for the Prophet (ﷺ) for the `Isha prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) sent for Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer. The messenger went to Abu Bakr and said, 'Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) orders you to lead the people in the prayer.' Abu Bakr was a softhearted man, so he asked `Umar to lead the prayer but `Umar replied, 'You are more rightful.' So Abu Bakr led the prayer in those days. When the Prophet (ﷺ) felt a bit better, he came out for the Zuhr prayer with the help of two persons one of whom was Al-`Abbas. while Abu Bakr was leading the people in the prayer. When Abu Bakr saw him he wanted to retreat but the Prophet (ﷺ) beckoned him not to do so and asked them to make him sit beside Abu Bakr and they did so. Abu Bakr was following the Prophet (in the prayer) and the people were following Abu Bakr. The Prophet (prayed) sitting." 'Ubaidullah added "I went to `Abdullah bin `Abbas and asked him, Shall I tell you what Aisha has told me about the fatal illness of the Prophet?' Ibn `Abbas said, 'Go ahead. I told him her narration and he did not deny anything of it but asked whether `Aisha told me the name of the second person (who helped the Prophet (ﷺ) ) along with Al-Abbas. I said. 'No.' He said, 'He was `Ali (Ibn Abi Talib).
Call to Prayers (Adhaan)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 687
The Prophet's Concern for Congregational Prayer
This narration demonstrates the supreme importance the Messenger of Allah ﷺ placed upon establishing prayer in congregation, even during his final illness. Despite his severe condition and repeated fainting, his primary concern remained whether the people had prayed. This teaches us that congregational prayer holds such significance that even extreme physical weakness cannot justify its abandonment without valid excuse.
The Virtue of Abu Bakr's Leadership
The appointment of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq to lead the prayer during the Prophet's illness was a clear indication of his superiority and rightful position as the first caliph. His humility in suggesting Umar lead instead demonstrates the character of the righteous companions, while Umar's insistence that Abu Bakr was more deserving shows their mutual recognition of spiritual hierarchy.
Prayer While Sitting Due to Illness
When the Prophet ﷺ joined the prayer while sitting, he established the ruling that those unable to stand may pray sitting, with the imam standing. The congregation follows the imam's physical posture while the sick person prays according to their capacity. This illustrates the flexibility and mercy in Islamic worship accommodations.
The Companions' Respect for Leadership
Abu Bakr's attempt to retreat upon seeing the Prophet ﷺ reflects the companions' profound respect for proper authority. The Prophet's gesture for him to continue affirms the principle that once legitimate authority is established, it should not be disrupted without valid reason, maintaining order in religious and community affairs.