Sahih Muslim Hadith 936 – If The Imâm

English

[936] 90 – (418) It was narrated that 'Ubaidullâh bin 'Abdullâh said: "I entered upon 'Aihah and said to her: 'Will you not tell me about the illness of the Messenger of Allah ?' She said: 'Yes. The Prophet became very ill and said: "Did the people offered prayers?" We said: "No, they are waiting for you, 0 Messenger of Allah." He said: "Put some water in the tub for me." We did that, and he performed Ghusl, then he tried to get up, but he fell unconscious. Then he came round and said: "Did the people offered prayers?" We said: "No, they are waiting for you, 0 Messenger of Allah." He said: "Put some water in the tub for me." We did that, and he performed Ghusl, then he tried to get up, but he fell unconscious. Then he came round and said: "Did the people offered prayers?" He said: "Put some water in the tub for me." We did that, and he performed Ghusl, then he tried to get up, but he fell unconscious. Then he came round and said: "Did the people offered prayers?" We said: "No, they are waiting for you, 0 Messenger of Allah." The people were gathered in the Masjid, waiting for the Messenger of Allah jK, to offer Ishâ' prayer. The Messenger of Allah ; sent word to Abü Bakr, telling him to lead the people in prayer. The messenger came to him and said: "The Messenger of Allah A is ordering you to lead the people in prayer." Abü Bakr, who was a tenderhearted man, said: "0 'Umar, lead the people in prayer." 'Umar said: "You are more entitled to do that." So Abü Bakr led them in prayer during those days. Then the Messenger of Allah jW felt a little better, so he came out between two men (supporting him) – one of whom was Al-'Abbâs – to offer Zuhr prayer. Abli Bakr was leading the people in prayer, but when Abü Bakr saw him, he started to move back. But the Prophet gestured to him not to move back. He said to (the two men): "Seat me beside him." So they seated him beside Abü Bakr. Abü Bakr was offering prayers standing up, following the prayer of the Prophet , and the people followed the prayer of Abü Bakr, and the Prophet was sitting." 'Ubaidullâh said: "I entered upon 'Abdullâh bin 'Abbâs and said to him: 'Shall I not tell you what 'Aishah told me about the illness of the Prophet ?' He said: 'Tell me.' So I told him what she had said, and he did not object to any part of it, except that he said: 'Did she tell you the name of the one who was with Al-'Abbâs?' I said: 'No.' He said: 'That was 'Ali, may Allah the Most High, be pleased with him."