Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that during the illness of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) passing, Hazrat Bilal came to inform the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about the prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O Bilal! You have conveyed the message, now whoever wishes may perform the prayer and whoever wishes may leave it.” He said, “O Messenger of Allah! Then who will lead the people in prayer?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.” When Hazrat Abu Bakr stepped forward to lead the prayer, the curtains of the blessed chamber of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) were lifted, and he came out in such a way that his blessed face was shining like a piece of silver. He was wearing a black cloak. When Hazrat Abu Bakr saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he thought perhaps the Prophet wished to come forward, so he stepped back from the prayer mat. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gestured to him to continue leading the prayer. Thus, Hazrat Abu Bakr led the people in prayer. After that, we did not see the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and on that very day, he passed away.