"When the Messenger of Allah died, they disagreed over where to bury him. So Abu Bakr said: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah saying something which I have not forgotten, he said: "Allah does not take (the life of ) a Prophet except at the location in which He wants him to be buried.'" So they buried him at the spot of his bed."
The Book on Jana'iz (Funerals)
Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Hadith 1018
Hadith Text
"When the Messenger of Allah died, they disagreed over where to bury him. So Abu Bakr said: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah saying something which I have not forgotten, he said: "Allah does not take (the life of) a Prophet except at the location in which He wants him to be buried.'" So they buried him at the spot of his bed."
Scholarly Commentary
This narration demonstrates the divine wisdom in the passing of prophets. When the Companions differed regarding the burial place of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) resolved the matter by recalling this prophetic tradition.
The scholars explain that this hadith indicates the special status of prophets - their entire lives, including their death and burial, occur according to divine decree and wisdom. The location where a prophet passes away is not coincidental but is predetermined by Allah's will.
This teaching also highlights the importance of preserving and accurately transmitting prophetic traditions, as Abu Bakr's recollection of this saying resolved a significant matter for the Muslim community. The burial in his own chamber affirms the sanctity of the places where prophets lived and died.
Furthermore, this incident demonstrates the leadership and knowledge of Abu Bakr, who through his careful preservation of the Prophet's teachings, guided the community during this critical moment.