11 – From Yazīd, on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):

Abū Bakr noticed that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had grown somewhat lighter in his illness, so he asked permission to visit his wife—the daughter of Khārijah—who was staying in the orchards of the Anṣār. That apparent respite, however, was the lull that precedes death, and he was unaware of it. The Prophet gave him leave, and that very night the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away.

At daybreak Abū Bakr returned and saw people passing the report from one to another. He ordered a young servant to listen to what they were saying and then inform him. The boy said, “I hear them saying, ‘Muḥammad has died.’”

Abū Bakr was shaken and exclaimed, “My back has been broken!” He set off at once, and before he even reached the mosque some thought he would not make it. Meanwhile the hypocrites began to spread rumors, saying, “If Muḥammad were really a prophet, he would not have died.” ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) declared, “If I hear anyone say, ‘Muḥammad has died,’ I will strike him with my sword.” Because of that, they fell silent.

When Abū Bakr arrived and the Prophet ﷺ lay shrouded, he uncovered his face and kissed him repeatedly, saying, “Allah would never make you taste death twice; you are far too honored by Allah for that.” He then addressed the people: “O people, whoever used to worship Muḥammad, Muḥammad is indeed dead; but whoever worships the Lord of Muḥammad, the Lord of Muḥammad is Ever-Living and never dies.” He then recited:

“Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers have passed on before him. If he should die or be killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will never harm Allah in the least, and Allah will reward those who are grateful.” ⦗Āl ʿImrān 3:144⦘

ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “It was as though we had never read that verse until Abū Bakr recited it.” The people then repeated Abū Bakr’s statement and his recitation.

The Prophet ﷺ died on Monday night; he remained unburied for two nights and a day, and he was buried on Tuesday. Usāmah ibn Zayd and Aws ibn Khawli poured water over him while ʿAlī and al-Faḍl (may Allah be pleased with them) washed him.