Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 7356 — What the Prophet (peace and blessings)

Sayyidah Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: During his final illness, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) fainted. When he came round, he asked: "Have the people prayed?" We said: "No." He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Order Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." We said: "O Messenger of Allah, he is an extremely soft-hearted and tender man; when he stands in your place he will not be able to lead the people in prayer." Sayyidah Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) fainted again, and when he came round he said the same thing again. I answered him three times, and he said: "You are like the women who were with Yusuf. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer." Sayyidah Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: After a while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) felt some relief in his blessed body, and he went out supported by Barirah and Nubah. Because of the weakness in his blessed body both his feet were dragging along the ground, and I could see the whiteness of the soles of his feet. At that time Abu Bakr was leading the people in prayer. When he saw him (peace and blessings be upon him), he began to step back, but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) signalled to him to remain standing there. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sat down beside him. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was praying following the lead of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and the people were following Sayyiduna Abu Bakr.