the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away while resting against ʿĀʾishah’s chest—on her allotted day, a Monday. The people were seized by anguish, and most of them supposed that he had not really died. Some said, “How can he die when he is to bear witness against us and we are to bear witness against mankind? He has not yet prevailed over the people. Rather, he has been taken up, just as Jesus son of Mary was taken up.” They threatened anyone who declared, “He has died,” and they shouted at the door, “Do not bury him, for he is alive!” ʿUmar rose to address the crowd, threatening death and mutilation and insisting, “He has not died,” while warning the hypocrites. The mosque was packed with people weeping and surging in confusion—until Abū Bakr arrived from al-Sunḥ.

Yūnus ibn Bukayr narrated from Abū Maʿshar, from Muḥammad ibn Qays, from Umm Salamah, who said, “I placed my hand on the chest of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ on the day he died. A span of time long enough for me to eat and perform ablution passed, yet the fragrance of musk never left my hand.”

Ibn ʿAwn related from Ibrāhīm ibn Yazīd—al-Taymī—from al-Aswad, who said: It was said to ʿĀʾishah, “People claim that the Prophet ﷺ appointed ʿAlī as his successor.” She replied, “I saw him call for a basin to relieve himself while I was supporting him against my chest; then he leaned forward and passed away. I am unaware of anything these people allege, that he appointed ʿAlī.” This report is agreed upon.