Sa'id bin Yahya bin Qays bin Isa narrates from his father that Sayyidah Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "O Messenger of Allah, when you fell ill, you put Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) forward." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It was not I who put him forward; rather, it is Allah Almighty who put him forward."
Al-Tabarani recorded it in al-Mu'jam al-Awsat; its chain contains a narrator whom I do not know.
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب الخلافة / 8929
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:إسنادہ ضعیف
Hadith Takhrij«أخرجه المعجم الأوسط للطبراني برقم: 2869»