Second, he appointed him as commander over the people during the Hajj in the ninth year after the Hijrah (1), for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not perform Hajj. This leadership was greater and more extensive than the first, because it was leadership over all the Muslims who performed Hajj; and it is well known that those who performed Hajj were more numerous than those who prayed in the Prophet’s Mosque. This was an indication that he would be caliph after him.
Third, during his final illness, he said: “Let no door opening into the mosque remain except that it be closed, except the door of Abu Bakr” (2)—an indication that he would be caliph after him, so that his house would remain close to the mosque, which is the gathering place of the people.
Fourth, a woman came to him with a need, and he said, “Come back to me next year.” She said, “What if I do not find you?” He replied, “Go to Abu Bakr” (3). This is virtually an explicit text that he would be caliph after him.
Fifth, he, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Allah and the believers will accept none but Abu Bakr” (4).
(1) Narrated by al-Bukhari in al-Hajj (Pilgrimage), chapter: “No polytheist may perform Hajj, nor may anyone circumambulate the House naked” (1622); and Muslim in al-Hajj (Pilgrimage), chapter: “No polytheist may perform Hajj to the House, nor may anyone circumambulate the House naked” (1347).
(2) Narrated by al-Bukhari in al-Salah (Prayer), chapter: “The small doorway and passageway in the mosque” (466); and Muslim in Fada'il al-Sahabah (Virtues of the Companions), chapter: “Among the virtues of Abu Bakr” (2382), on the authority of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him. The wording is that of al-Bukhari.
(3) Narrated by al-Bukhari in al-Manaqib (Virtues), chapter: “The Prophet’s statement, peace be upon him: ‘If I were to take a close friend’” (3659); and Muslim in Fada'il al-Sahabah (Virtues of the Companions), chapter: “Among the virtues of Abu Bakr” (2386), on the authority of Jubayr ibn Mut'im, may Allah be pleased with him.
(4) Narrated by al-Bukhari in al-Marda (Illness), chapter: “The sick person saying, ‘I am in pain’” (5666); and Muslim in Fada'il al-Sahabah (Virtues of the Companions), chapter: “Among the virtues of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq” (2378), on the authority of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her. This is the wording of Muslim.