The report’s statement that Abū Bakr led them in prayer during the Prophet’s lifetime, throughout his illness until his death, is agreed upon by scholars versed in the transmitted reports. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was ill for several days before Allah took him unto Himself. During those days, no one but Abū Bakr led them in prayer, while the Prophet’s chamber adjoined the mosque. Under these circumstances, it is impossible that he had instructed someone else to lead the prayer, yet Abū Bakr led them throughout that period without his instruction and without anyone questioning the matter.

Al-‘Abbās, ‘Alī, and others would visit him in his home, and on one of those days he came out supported between the two of them. It is reported that his illness began on a Thursday, and there is no disagreement that he died on the Monday of the second week. His illness therefore lasted twelve days, according to what has been reported.

In the Sahīh collection, ‘Ubayd Allāh ibn ‘Abd Allāh said:

“I visited ‘Ā’ishah and asked her, ‘Would you tell me about the illness of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace?’

“She replied: Yes. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, became seriously ill. He asked, ‘Have the people prayed (1)?’ We replied, ‘No. They are waiting for you, O Messenger of Allah.’ He said, ‘Put some water in the basin for me.’ We did so, and he bathed. Then he tried to rise but lost consciousness. When he regained consciousness, he asked, ‘Have the people prayed?’ We replied, ‘No. They are waiting for you, O Messenger of Allah.’

“She said: The people remained in the mosque, waiting for the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to lead the night prayer.

“She said: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, sent word to Abū Bakr to lead the people in prayer. The messenger came to him and said, ‘The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him