Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 7351 — What the Prophet (peace and blessings)

Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: During the final illness of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Sayyiduna Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to inform him of the prayer. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Bilal, you have conveyed (the message); now whoever wishes may pray, and whoever wishes may leave it." He said: "O Messenger of Allah, then who will lead the people in prayer?" He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." When Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) stepped forward to lead the prayer, the curtains of the blessed chamber of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) were lifted and we looked at him; it was as though he were a white sheet of paper. He had a black wrap on him. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr thought that perhaps he wished to come out, so he stepped back from the place of prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) signalled to him to carry on leading the prayer. So Sayyiduna Abu Bakr led the people in prayer. After that we did not see the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) again, and he passed away that same day.