(the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) died while Abu Bakr was at a place called As-Sunah (Al-'Aliya) 'Umar stood up and said, "By Allah! Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) is not dead!" 'Umar (later on) said, "By Allah! Nothing occurred to my mind except that." He said, "Verily! Allah will resurrect him and he will cut the hands and legs of some men." Then Abu Bakr came and uncovered the face of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), kissed him and said, "Let my mother and father be sacrificed for you, (O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)), you are good in life and in death. By Allah in Whose Hands my life is, Allah will never make you taste death twice." Then he went out and said, "O oath-taker! Don't be hasty." When Abu Bakr spoke, 'Umar sat down. Abu Bakr praised and glorified Allah and said, No doubt! Whoever worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, but whoever worshipped Allah, then Allah is Alive and shall never die." Then he recited Allah's Statement.:-- "(O Muhammad) Verily you will die, and they also will die." (39.30) He also recited:--
"Muhammad is no more than an Apostle; and indeed many Apostles have passed away, before him, If he dies Or is killed, will you then Turn back on your heels? And he who turns back On his heels, not the least Harm will he do to Allah And Allah will give reward to those Who are grateful." (3.144)
The people wept loudly, and the Ansar were assembled with Sad bin 'Ubada in the shed of Bani Saida. They said (to the emigrants). "There should be one 'Amir from us and one from you." Then Abu Bakr, Umar bin Al-Khattab and Abu 'baida bin Al-Jarrah went to them. 'Umar wanted to speak but Abu Bakr stopped him. 'Umar later on used to say, "By Allah, I intended only to say something that appealed to me and I was afraid that Abu Bakr would not speak so well. Then Abu Bakr spoke and his speech was very eloquent. He said in his statement, "We are the rulers and you (Ansars) are the ministers (i.e. advisers)," Hubab bin Al-Mundhir said, "No, by Allah we won't accept this. But there must be a ruler from us and a ruler from you." Abu Bakr said, "No, we will be the rulers and you will be the ministers, for they (i.e. Quarish) are the best family amongst the 'Arabs and of best origin. So you should elect either 'Umar or Abu 'Ubaida bin Al-Jarrah as your ruler." 'Umar said (to Abu Bakr), "No but we elect you, for you are our chief and the best amongst us and the most beloved of all of us to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." So 'Umar took Abu Bakr's hand and gave the pledge of allegiance and the people too gave the pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr. Someone said, "You have killed Sad bin Ubada." 'Umar said, "Allah has killed him."
The Demise of the Prophet & Abu Bakr's Wisdom
When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away, Umar ibn al-Khattab's initial denial demonstrates the profound love the Companions had for the Prophet. His statement "Allah will resurrect him" reflects the extreme emotional state that can overcome even the most steadfast believers when faced with immense tribulation.
Abu Bakr's composed response exemplifies the clarity of faith and wisdom required in leadership. His declaration "Whoever worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, but whoever worshipped Allah, then Allah is Alive and shall never die" establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that prophethood is a means to worship Allah, not an end in itself.
The Successorship at Saqifah Bani Sa'ida
The gathering at the shed of Bani Sa'ida represents a critical moment in Islamic history. The Ansar's proposal for dual leadership emerged from genuine concern for the community's welfare, reflecting their honorable intentions and established rights as hosts and supporters of Islam.
Abu Bakr's diplomatic response acknowledged the Ansar's virtues while emphasizing the Quraysh's established leadership role in Arabian society and their relation to the Prophet. This wisdom prevented division and maintained unity during this vulnerable transition period.
Umar's swift endorsement of Abu Bakr demonstrates the Companions' recognition of divine wisdom in succession matters. His statement "You are our chief and the best amongst us" reflects the consensus about Abu Bakr's superior qualifications based on his early acceptance of Islam, closeness to the Prophet, and proven leadership qualities.
Scholarly Commentary on the Incident
Classical scholars note that this incident establishes several important principles: the permissibility of consultation (shura) in selecting leaders, the priority of qualifications over tribal affiliation, and the necessity of swift action to maintain community stability after a leader's death.
The collective pledge of allegiance (bay'ah) to Abu Bakr represents the Islamic model of peaceful transition of power through consultation and consensus, establishing a precedent for future Muslim governance.