The Prophet Appoints Abu Bakr to Lead the Prayer

When the Prophet's illness made it difficult for him to lead the congregational prayers, he instructed: 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.' Aisha, concerned that her father's soft voice and tendency to weep would make it difficult, suggested Umar instead, but the Prophet repeated his instruction three times emphatically. Abu Bakr led the prayers during the final days of the Prophet's life, about seventeen prayers in total. On one occasion, the Prophet felt slightly better and came out, supported by Ali ibn Abi Talib and al-Fadl ibn Abbas, his feet dragging on the ground. Abu Bakr, sensing the Prophet behind him, began to step back, but the Prophet motioned for him to continue and sat down next to him, praying seated while Abu Bakr led standing. Scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah consider this appointment as a clear indication that Abu Bakr was the Prophet's choice to lead the community after him.