When Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) became seriously ill, Bilal came to him for the prayer. He said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Abu Bakr is a softhearted man and if he stands in your place, he would not be able to make the people hear him. Will you order `Umar (to lead the prayer)?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." Then I said to Hafsa, "Tell him, Abu i Bakr is a softhearted man and if he stands in his place, he would not be able to make the people hear him. Would you order `Umar to lead the prayer?' " Hafsa did so. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Verily you are the companions of Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." So Abu- Bakr stood for the prayer. In the meantime Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) felt better and came out with the help of two persons and both of his legs were dragging on the ground till he entered the mosque. When Abu Bakr heard him coming, he tried to retreat but Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) beckoned him to carry on. The Prophet (ﷺ) sat on his left side. Abu Bakr was praying while standing and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was leading the prayer while sitting. Abu Bakr was following the Prophet (ﷺ) and the people were following Abu Bakr (in the prayer).
Call to Prayers (Adhaan)
Sahih al-Bukhari 713
The Excellence of Abu Bakr's Leadership
The Prophet's insistence on Abu Bakr leading prayer during his illness demonstrates Abu Bakr's preeminence among companions. Despite 'Aisha's concerns about his soft-hearted nature, the Prophet reaffirmed his choice three times, indicating divine approval of Abu Bakr's leadership.
The "Companions of Joseph" Reference
When the Prophet said "You are the companions of Joseph," he referenced the story where Joseph's brothers conspired against him. This gentle reproach indicated that their repeated requests resembled the persistence of Joseph's brothers, though with purer intentions.
Prayer Leadership While Sitting
The Prophet praying while sitting due to illness, with Abu Bakr standing and following him, establishes the validity of leading prayer in a position different from the congregation when necessary due to legitimate excuses.
Succession Implications
This incident served as a clear indication of Abu Bakr's rightful succession to leadership after the Prophet's passing, as he was specifically chosen to lead the Muslim community in the most important congregational act of worship.
Humility and Protocol
Abu Bakr's attempt to retreat when the Prophet arrived demonstrates proper etiquette before Allah's Messenger, while the Prophet's gesture to continue shows the validity of transferring prayer leadership during congregation when the original imam arrives.