Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that during the illness of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in which he passed away, when the time for prayer came and the call to prayer was given, he said: "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." At that time, it was said to him that Abu Bakr is very soft-hearted; if he stands in your place, it will be difficult for him to lead the prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) again gave the same order, and the same thing was repeated before him. For the third time, he said: "You are just like the women who were with Yusuf (Joseph) (that you have something in your hearts and show something else)." "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer." Finally, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) came to lead the prayer. Meanwhile, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) felt some relief in his illness and, supported by two men, came out. It is as if I am seeing his feet at that time, that due to pain, they were dragging lines on the ground. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), seeing this, wanted to step back, but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) signaled him to remain in his place. Then he came near and sat beside him. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led the prayer, and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) followed him, and the people followed the prayer of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr.
Hadith Referenceاللؤلؤ والمرجان / كتاب الصلاة / 238
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:«صحیح»
Hadith Takhrij«صحیح، أخرجه البخاري في: 10 كتاب الأذان: 39 باب حدّ المريض أن يشهد الجماعة»