And in another version, the people of Qubā’ fought one another until they began throwing stones at each other. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was informed and said:

“Let us go and reconcile them.”

[And in another version:] (1)

“The time for prayer came, but the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had not returned. The call to prayer was given, but the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had still not returned.”

This [hadith] (2) is among the most authentic hadiths on the face of the earth. Hadith scholars have unanimously affirmed its authenticity and accepted it (3).

It relates that Abū Bakr led them in prayer during the Prophet’s absence, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, when the time for the afternoon prayer came. This is the middle prayer, which they were specifically commanded to observe faithfully. They knew that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was occupied: he had gone to Qubā’ to reconcile its people after they had fought one another. They also knew from his practice that, in such circumstances, he would instruct them to appoint one of their number to lead them. Thus, during the expedition to Tabūk, they appointed ʿAbd al-Rahmān ibn ʿAwf to lead the dawn prayer when the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was delayed, having gone with al-Mughīra (4) to relieve himself. He was wearing a woollen robe.

Bilāl was the caller to prayer and knew more about this (5) than anyone else. He therefore asked Abū Bakr to lead them in prayer, and Abū Bakr did so—especially since the Prophet had instructed them to put him forward.