441 – ʿĀʾishah (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (Allah be pleased with him) kissed the Prophet ﷺ after his death. Al-Bukhari recorded it (1).

Points derived from the ḥadith

1. It is permissible to kiss a deceased person—and to look at his face—if one was allowed to kiss him while he was alive.
2. The narration highlights the deep love Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (Allah be pleased with him) bore for the Prophet ﷺ and his composure at the moment of the Prophet’s death, even though he was the Companion most stricken by that loss. Many historians state that Abu Bakr’s own death resulted from grief over the passing of the Prophet ﷺ.
3. Abu Bakr’s conduct at the Prophet’s death—his steadfastness, his calming of the Muslims during that painful, critical hour, his self-control, and the sermon in which he announced the Prophet’s demise, consoled them, and strengthened their resolve—is famous. It was a unique stance that only men of great determination can take. May Allah be pleased with him and well-satisfied with him.