Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 7355 — What the Prophet (peace and blessings)

Abu Salamah bin Abd al-Rahman said: When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was afflicted with his final illness, he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Order Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." After a while he (peace and blessings be upon him) felt some relief in his blessed body, so he came out. When Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) saw him coming, he began to step back. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) signalled to him to remain standing in his place. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came and sat beside Sayyiduna Abu Bakr. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr was following the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and the people were praying behind Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, following him.