Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Alhassanain (p) Network for Islamic Heritage and Thought

THE PROPHET’S LAST PRAYER

Allamah Sayyid Murtada Askari

English Translation: Jalil Dorrani

www.alhassanain.org/english

The Prophet’s last Prayer

Author: Allamah Seyed Murteza Askari

Translator: Jalil Dorrani

First Edition: 2006

Publisher: Naba Publication

Site: www.nabacultural.org

ISBN: 964-8323-39-9

Table of Contents

Preface 4

The days when the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was sick 7

Nursing of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in Aysha’s house 7

The holy Prophet’s order to Abu Bakr to lead the Prayer 7

The Leading of Prayer by Abu Bakr at the time of illness of the Messenger (s.a.w.a.) 9

Severity of the illness of Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in his last days 10

Soft-heartedness of Abu Bakr in Prayer 10

Refusal of the holy Prophet from the Umar’s leading 12

Anxiousness of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) over the Imamat of Abu Bakr 12

Pray of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) behind Abu Bakr 14

Happiness of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) by the leading of Abu Bakr 14

Imamat of Abu Bakr is the proof of his Caliphate 16

The Conditions of Imamat of Prayer in the school of Caliphate 16

Imamat of Abu Bakr in the traditions of the Caliphs 16

The discussions of the earlier Muslims of Medina (Ansār) after the demise of the holy Prophet 18

Imamat of Sâlim and Ibn Umme Maktum in place of the holy Prophet 18

Imamate of a young boy who had not reached the age of puberty 20

Justice is not the condition in Imamat! 20

Examining and Analyzing the traditions 21

Imamate of Abu Bakr in the historical sources 23

The true history 23

Duty of Abu Bakr and Umar to the command of Usamah and the necessity to obey him 24

Critical analysis of the traditions 25

The reality of Imamate of Abu Bakr in the School of Caliphate 26

Abu Bakr made the voice of Takbir of the Prophet reach the people! 26

The true Imamate in the two Schools 28

Conclusions and Analyses of traditions 30

Notes 34

In the name of Allah

Preface

The Arabian Peninsula has, in its long history continuously witnessed many events. With the coming of Islam and the formation of religious issues through the heavenly personality of the great Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.) the page of pre-Islam Arab history saw a significant change. It turned into the Islamic history. Improper individual and collective conduct, wrong ways and styles of life, and similarly the beliefs and superstitions of the ignorant Arabs were the signs of the culture and civilization of the Arab society of those days.

People had wrongly interpreted the meaning of morality. For example, they received respect by burying theiralive daughters. Those who displayed more cruelty were regarded more respectable. Loot, arson, killing, and bloodshed were considered as bravery. When they heard about the Paradise, they asked whether the Paradise had its wars or no. When the reply was negative they said what it worth was!

The story of Zaid bin Haritha is an example of the condition of the ignorant Arabs. Zaid bin Haritha, during his childhood, went with his mother, to visit their relatives in another tribe, when bandits assaulted them. He could not run away and became a captive and was brought to the market of Ukaz for sale. Agents of Hadhrat Khadijah purchased him. She gifted him to the holy Prophet. The Prophet released him and when he was not prepared to return to his tribe along with his father and uncle, the holy Prophet announced near Ka’ba and in front of people that Zaid was his adopted son (in law).

Many of those people changed after the appearance of Islam. Mecca and Medina became centers of the light. The change reached to such an extent that an Ansari youth came to the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) on the day of the battle of Badr and asked: " O Messenger of Allah! What is the reward of one who fights against this community and gets killed? "

" Paradise. "came the divine response.

The young said: " Very nice, very nice! Then the distance between me and Paradise [the only barrier in front of me] is this date which I eat! " Saying so he threw away the dates, engaged in fighting until he was martyred. Yes, their fighting was for obtaining God’s pleasure, and for prospering in the other world.[1] But the opportunists and the wish-worshipper who saw a danger to their worldly [material] profits with the ever-increasing advance of Islam, tried, by every means, to remove this heavenly Shariat [Code] from their community. In the beginning, they tired to prevent progress. Thereafter, they resorted to threatening and intimidation. They used temptation and force to prevent the message from the masses. But the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) stood fast and firm against all those troubles and continued to fight against the devil and his servants.

But the world-seekers who saw their interests in danger, looked for an opportunity for revenge and for staging a revolt. Yet the holy Prophet took proper remedial steps. By God’s help and his sharp planning, he defeated all those mischief and uprisings. The holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.), during his last illness, thought a plan for defeating the coup de etat of the rioter companions, so that all of them could be sent out of Medina along with the army of Usamah. He selected Usamah, an 18-year-old, son of martyr Zaid bin Haritha for the command of that army and ordered that all young and old men must leave Medina with him.

In that battalion, people like Abu Bakr, Umar, Abu Ubaidah Jarrah, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas, Sa’ad bin Ubaldah, and many other famous companions were put under the command of Usamah. In the beginning they began to criticize, and said: " He made us subordinate to a boy of 18 years! " They refrained from proceeding. The holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) delivered a sermon for them and said; " God’s Curse be on the one who opposes the Usamah’s army. God’s cursebe on the one who does not join the army of Usamah. "

The army of Usamah moved and camped at Joraf, a few kilometers from Medina. At the same time the illness of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) increased and its news reached the camps. The elders of the community returned to Medina. The next morning Bilal came home and cried: Prayer! Prayer! O Messenger of God! Since the holy Prophet had slept with his head on the thigh of Ali (p.b.u.h.), Aysha thought it a good occasion and told Bilal: " The Holy Prophet asked you to call Abu Bakr to lead the Prayer in his place. "

Abu Bakr stood for prayer in place of the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.). When the condition of the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) improved and he heard the voice of Abu Bakr, He said: Raise me up. Then he made ablution. According to the narration ofSahih Bukhari , he went to the mosque, supported by two men, as his legs had became too weak to walk, his feet dragging on the ground. Then he disrupted the prayer of Abu Bakr and led it in a sitting state. After concluding the Prayer, he gave a little talk to the people and died on the same day.

Such kind of mischief and misbehavior continued till the demise of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). It increased thereafter to such an extent that they took to the sloganHasbunā Kitabullah (The Book of God is enough for us). It became a cause of alteration and carelessness towards the Prophet’s traditions! With the passage of time, a new style was adopted, whereby false traditions were spread in condemnation of the Progeny of the Prophet, especially Amirul Mo-mineen Ali (p.b.u.h.), and in praise of the Caliphs in such a way that it became impossible to differentiate the true from the false!

Those events have created the need for a thorough research in history, so that false statements could be separated from the true ones. The said story is an example of such events, which the great scholar Syed Murtaza Askari has dealt with.

The Cultural and Scientific

Institution of Allamah Askari

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful

Praisebe to Allah the Lord of the worlds and peace be upon the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers, Muhammad and his Purified Progeny.

This servant has been frequently asked about themorning Prayer of Abu Bakr, on the day of the passing away of the holy Prophet. Is it a true incident, and is it a correct narration? And if we assume that it was a fact, then how was the circumstance? In any case, what conclusions can be derived from it?

Due to this, it came to my mind that a discussion on it be presented to answer these queries.

The days when the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was sick

We begin with what the different sources and references of tradition and history have said in this respect.

InSahih Bukhari andSahih Muslim it is narrated from Aysha: When the illness of the holy Prophet increased and his pain got severe, he took permission from his other wives, so that he could be looked after in my house. He was given the permission…[2]

Nursing of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in Aysha’s house

In another tradition she said: " The illness of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) began in the house of Maimuna. There he got permission from other wives so that he stayed in Aysha’s house the day of his sickness. He was given the permission.[3]

Bukhari has narrated from Aysha that the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in his last illness, always used to ask: " Where will I stay tomorrow? " In reality he was waiting for Aysha’s turn. The Prophet was given permission so that he could stay in Aysha’s house.[4]

Moslem hasnarrated from Aysha that the holy Prophet continuously asked, " Where should I stay today and where will I be tomorrow?And was waiting for Aysha’s turn. " [5]

She says in another tradition that the Prophet used to observe the turns of his wives. But at the time of his last illness he used to ask; " Where will I stay tomorrow? "

In fact, he was very much fond of Aysha’s house. " As my turn came, he got comfort in my house. "[6]

The holy Prophet’s order to Abu Bakr to lead the Prayer

InSunan Ibn Majah andMusnad Ahmad it is narrated from Ibne Abbas that when the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was in Aysha’s house and was ill, he said, " Call Ali for me. "

Aysha said: O Messenger of Allah, should I call Abu Bakr for you? "

The Messenger said: " Call him also. "

Hafsa said: O Messenger of Allah, " should I call Umar for you? "

The Messenger (s.a.w.a.) replied, " Call him also. "

When all of them gathered, the Prophet raised his head, glanced at them and fell silent.[7]

Umar turned towards the people, who had gathered, and said: " Get up from the presence of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)! " Then Bilal came and told the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) about the time of Prayer. The Prophet said: Order Abu Bakr to lead the people in Prayer.

Aysha said: " O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), Abu Bakr is a mild and a soft hearted person and is unable to speak, and if he does not see you, he will cry and people will also cry. It would be better if you order Umar for Prayer. Then Abu Bakr went out of the room and prayed. "[8]

The Leading of Prayer by Abu Bakr at the time of illness of the Messenger (s.a.w.a.)

Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Moslem, Musnad Ahmad, Tabaqat Ibn Sa’ad andAnsabul Ashrâf have recorded (We quote the tradition fromSahih Bukhari) that Aysha says: " When the illness of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) became severe, Bilal reminded him of the time of Prayer. " The holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Order Abu Bakr, so that he may lead the people in Prayer.

Aysha says: " O Messenger of Allah! Abu Bakr is a mild and softhearted person and if he stands in your place to pray, he would be unable to perform the duty of Imamat; it would be better if you order Umar for this job. " The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: " You are like those women around Joseph; order Abu Bakr so that he may pray with the people. "[9]

InSahih Bukhari, Sahih Moslem, Musnad of Abu Avana,Tabaqat of Ibn Sa’ad, "Sirah " of Ibn Hisham,Ansabul Ashrâf of Balazari, and in other books it is narrated (we quote the tradition fromSahih Bukhari ) from Aysha, that she said: When the pain of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) got severe, the Messenger was informed that it was time for Prayer. He said; " Abu Bakr is a soft hearted person, order him so that he may lead the Prayer. "

Aysha said: " Abu Bakr is softhearted and whenever he prays, he starts crying. "

The Messenger said: " Order him so that he may lead the Prayer. " I repeated my words.

The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: " Order Abu Bakr so that he prays the Prayer and you are like those women around Joseph. "[10]

Aysha also said: I requested the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) many times that he should not order him to lead the Prayer, and its reason was that I didn’t believe that people would like a person as his successor. The people would consider him unlucky and inauspicious. So I hoped that the holy Prophet would change his mind from Abu Bakr.[11]

Severity of the illness of Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in his last days

InSahih Bukhari, Sahih Moslem, Sunan Darmi, Musnad Abu Avana, Musnad Ahmad andTabaqat Ibn Sa’ad it is mentioned (the quotation is fromSahih Bukhari narrating from Ayesha): " When the illness of the holy Prophet got severe, he asked: Have the people prayed? "

We said: " No, people are waiting for you. "

The Messenger said: " Bring some water for me in a vessel. "

Aysha poured some water in a vessel and the Prophet took ablution. Then he intended to get up, but his condition got bad. After that he felt better. He asked, " Have the people prayed? "

We replied: " No, they are waiting for you. "

The Prophet said: " Bring some water in a container for me. " Aysha said: The Messenger sat up and did ablution for Prayer Then he intended to get up, but his condition got bad. Afterwards, when he felt better he asked: " Did the people pray? "

We replied: " Not yet, O Messenger of Allah! They are waiting for you. "

The Messenger of Allah said: " Bring some water in a container for me. "

He sat down and took ablution for Prayer, then intended to get up. His condition got worse. When he felt somewhat better, he asked: " Have the people prayed? "

We replied: " No, O Messenger of Allah, they are waiting for you. "

People were waiting for the holy Prophet, so that they could perform the night pray. The holy Prophet sent for Abu Bakr so that he could pray with the people. (Then the messenger of the holy Prophet came to Abu Bakr and said that the prophet had ordered him to lead the people in Prayer). Since Abu Bakr was a mild and softhearted person, he said: " Umar you lead for the people. "

Umar said: " You are better than me for this job. "

Then Abu Bakr led the people in Prayers in those days.[12]

Soft-heartedness of Abu Bakr in Prayer

InSahih Bukhari, Musnad Abu Avana, Tabaqat Ibn Sa’ad, andAnsabul Ashrâf of Balazari it is narrated (we quote the words of tradition) from Aysha that the holy Prophet in his illness said: " Give order to Abu Bakr, so that he leads the people in Prayers. "

Aysha says, " I begged when Abu Bakr stands in your place, people will not listen to anything except his weeping, so order Umar so that he can lead the people in Prayer. " Aysha then said to Hafsa: " You tell the Prophet that when Abu Bakr stands in his place, people will not hear anything except his weeping. So order Umar to lead the people in Prayer; and then Hafsa did so. "

The Messenger of Allah said: " Keep quiet! You are like the women around Joseph! Tell Abu Bakr that he should lead the people in Prayers. "

Then Hafsa said to Aysha: " I have never seen any goodness from you! "[13]

Refusal of the holy Prophet from the Umar’s leading

InSunan Abu Dawood – Chapter about the successorship of Abu Bakr,Musnad Ahmad, Sirah Ibn Hisham, Tabaqat Ibn Sa’ad, andAnsabul Ashrâf of Balazari it is narrated (We quoteSunan Abu Dawood from Abdullah Ibn Zamá) that when the illness of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) got severe, he was with a group of Muslims near the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.). Bilal informed the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) about the time of Prayer.

He said: " Tell someone to lead the people in Prayer. "

When he got out of the group, Umar was among the group but Abu Bakr was absent. I (Abdullah Ibn Zamá) said: Umar get up and lead the people in Prayer. " Umar got up and said theTakbiratul Ihram of the Prayer. " When the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) heard his voice, which was very loud, he said: " Then where is Abu Bakr? Allah and Muslims do not accept this! "

The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) repeated this; then sent someone to Abu Bakr. He came after the Prayer led by Umar was over and prayed again with the people![14]

Anxiousness of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) over the Imamat of Abu Bakr

In another tradition it has come, " When the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) heard the voice of Umar, he brought his holy head out of the room and said: No! No! No! Son of Abu Qahafa (Abu Bakr) should lead the people in Prayer. The holy Prophet said these words in anger. "

InMusnad Ahmad , it has come that Abdullah Ibn Zamá said that Umar told him: " Woe upon you, O son of Zamá, what are you doing with me, by the promise of Allah? " When you gave me orders to pray, I was thinking nothing but that the holy Prophet had ordered so, and if it was other than this, I would not have prayed with the people.

He told Umar; " By the promise of Allah, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) has not told me that you should pray with the people, but when I did not see Abu Bakr, I saw you more eligible from amongst those who were present for leading the Prayer. "

InSunan Ibn Majah it is narrated from Sâlim Ibn Abid that,When the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was in his deathbed, his condition was acute. Then he got somewhat better and said: " Is it time for Prayer? "

We said: " Yes. "

He said: " Ask Bilal to inform the people that it is time for Prayer. "

Again the condition of the Prophet got severe. When his condition got better he said, " Is it time for Prayer? "

We replied affirmatively.

He said: " Call Bilal so that he can make people aware of the time of Prayer and call Abu Bakr, that he lead the people in Prayer. "

Aysha said: " My father is mild and soft hearted When he stands in your place, he would weep and would not have the capability to pray. So it would be better if you order someone other than him. "

After that again the condition of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) got bad. After sometime his condition got better.

Again he said: " Ask Bilal to make people aware of the time of Prayer. You are like the woman around Joseph. "

Sâlim Ibn Abid says: " Bilal gave Adhan Then Abu Bakr prayed with the people. "[15]

Another tradition quoted by Anas says; " When the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) got ill and in that illness he died; Bilal came to the Prophet and told him about Prayer time.

He said: " Bilal I became aware (of Prayer time). Then whoever wants he may pray, and whoever wants he may leave. "

Bilal returned to the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and said: " O Messenger of Allah, my parentsbe sacrificed for you, who will lead the people in Prayer? "

He replied: Give order to Abu Bakr, that he may lead the people in Prayer. While Abu Bakr was ahead, the illness of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) went away…[16]

Pray of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) behind Abu Bakr

InMusnad Ahmad it is narrated from Aysha that the Messenger of Allah in his deathbed said, " Give order to Abu Bakr to he lead the people in Prayer. "

Then Abu Bakr prayed and the holy Prophet sat behind Abu Bakr and prayed.[17]

InMusnad Ahmad andAnsabul Ashrâf it is narrated (We quote the tradition fromMusnad Ahmad by Aysha): " When the Messenger of Allah was on the deathbed he sat behind Abu Bakr and prayed. "[18]

Happiness of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) by the leading of Abu Bakr

Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Moslem, andMusnad Abu Avana narrate (We relate the tradition fromSahih Bukhari from Zohari, who said): " Anas Ibn Malik Ansari, who was from the companions of the holy Prophet informed us that Abu Bakr used to pray during the illness of the Prophet. At the time of his death, people were in rows for Prayer and the holy Prophet pulled aside the curtain of the room (which was between his room and the mosque) and looked at us. After that the Prophet smiled. I could not understand the reason of his happiness at that moment. Then Abu Bakr wanted to come back so that he could take place in the rows of the congregation. He thought that the holy Prophet had come out to lead the Prayer. Then the holy Prophet gestured him to finish the prayers and put down the curtains and died on the same day.[19]

Bukhari, Abu Avana, and Balazari have narrated from Anas Ibn Malik (we are quoting fromSahih Bukhari ) that the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) did not come out of his house for leading us in prayers for three days. When it was time for Prayer he pulled aside the curtain and said…till the end of the tradition.[20]

In another tradition Anas says: The Muslims had gathered on the morning of Monday to pray when Abu Bakr was leading the prayers.[21]

All the traditions mentioned so far were according toSahih Bukhari . But five were fromSunan Abu Dawood, one fromSunan Ibn Majah , two fromMusnad Ahmad and they are used to prove the caliphate of Abu Bakr. (Very soon these traditions will be analyzed).

Hasan Basri says that the holy Prophet was ill; Abu Bakr was ordered to lead the people in Prayer. He (Hasan Basri) explains the reason of Abu Bakr’s Imamate in this way: People come to know, by Allah, that he is the master and leader after the holy Prophet.[22]

Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz sent a person to Hasan Basri to ask if the holy Prophet had appointed Abu Bakr as hissuccessor?

Hasan Basri replied: Does your Master and friend have any doubt? By Allah he chose him for his successorship. Because he ordered only him, and not others, to lead the Prayer and Abu Bakr was afraid ofAllah, that he should sit on that seat.[23]

Imamat of Abu Bakr is the proof of his Caliphate

Abu Avana (d. 316) after narrating some traditions in hisMusnad which were quotedearlier, has said: " This tradition makes apparent the caliphate and successorship of Abu Bakr after the demise of the holy Prophet. " It is because the Prophet said: " The most aware about the recitation of Qur’an should lead the prayers; and from the companions of the holy Prophet were some persons, who were more learned than Abu Bakr and more aware than him. Even from the companions were some persons whose voices were louder in reciting the Qur’an. The holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had told many times, " Tell someone, other than Abu Bakr, to lead the people in Prayer. Abu Bakr is not capable for this job, and he is a mild and soft hearted person and he cries in his Prayer. "

After all these discussions the Prophet didn’t order anyone other than Abu Bakr, and was not happy in this matter with anyone except Abu Bakr. On this basis, according to the narration of Abu Masood, the holy Prophet said: " A man in his period of power and kingship should not pray behind another person. "[24] This proves that he is the caliph and successor after the Prophet.

Ibn Kathir[25] after bringing many sections of the traditions, and after finding solution for the contradiction of those traditions said, "the holy Prophet gave preference to Abu Bakr for leading the Prayer over all the companions.Prayer, which is one of the greatest pillars of practical Islam. "

Shaykh Abul Hasan Ashari said: " The holy Prophet preferred Abu Bakr for leading the Prayer, which in Islam is a clear and illuminated matter. "

He says: Giving preference to Abu Bakr for leading the Prayer is the proof that he was the most knowledgeable and most aware about the recitation of Qur’an amongst the companions!![26]

The Conditions of Imamat of Prayer in the school of Caliphate

There is a tradition that all the scholars unanimously have accepted as " correct " , in which the holy Prophet said: One who is most knowledgeable about the recitation of Quran will lead the prayer. Then if two are similar in recitation of Qur’an, the more knowledgeable about the traditions of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) will lead. If they are similar in sunnat also, then that person who brought Islam earlier will lead the Prayer. Ibn Kathir says: It would have been better if this statement of Ashari was written with gold. Anyhow, all the conditions were gathered in Abu Bakr!!![27]

Imamat of Abu Bakr in the traditions of the Caliphs

The Sunni scholars bring a tradition from Imam Ali (p.b.u.h.), which could not be true.

Hasan Basri has narrated from Ali that the demise of the holy Prophet was not sudden. He died due to illness. During the illness Bilal came to him and told him about the Prayer time. Then he said: " Call Abu Bakr, so that he could lead the people in Prayer. " The Prophet said it while he saw me. "

When the holy Prophet passed away, the Muslims saw that the holy Prophet gave Wilayat (mastership) to Abu Bakr in the matter of religion. They gave Wilayat to Abu Bakr in the worldly matters too.[28]

In another tradition it is stated that Hazrat Ali (p.b.u.h.) said: At the time when the soul of the holy Prophet departed, he gave preference to Abu Bakr in Prayer. We also, in the worldly matters, gave preference to the one who was given preference by the holy Prophet in the matter of religion, we preferred him!! Then we gave preference to Abu Bakr for the Imamat of Prayer in congregation!!![29]

Anas has narrated from Ali, " The holy Prophet was ill; looking at us, he ordered Abu Bakr to lead the Prayers. When the Messenger passed away, the Muslims, in worldly matters chose that person, with whom the holy Prophet was happy in the matter of religion. So the Muslims accepted the leadership of Abu Bakr and by the promise of Allah, Abu Bakr was fit for leadership (Wilayat).

What factors could undermine the position given by the holy Prophet to Abu Bakr?

The discussions of the earlier Muslims of Medina (Ansār) after the demise of the holy Prophet

After this, what comes is not surprising. Zar Ibn Hobaish has narrated from Abdullah, that when the holy Prophet passed away, the Ansars said, " there should be an Amir (chief) from us, and an Amir from you. " Zar Ibn Hobaish added that Umar came to the people and said: " O people of Ansar! Are you not aware that the holy Prophet ordered Abu Bakr to lead the people in Prayer? "

They replied: " Yes. "

Umar said, " Who, amongst you all, wants to exceed the position of Abu Bakr? "

Ansar said: " We take refuge in Allah that we go ahead of Abu Bakr. "[30]

Imamat of Sâlim and Ibn Umme Maktum in place of the holy Prophet

The elders of the school of Caliphate claim that such traditions prove the Caliphate of Abu Bakr. Now the question is: Whether praying in place of the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is the proof for being his successor and Caliph?

I don’t know how the scholars overlooked what Bukhari has stated in hisSahih?

Sâlim, the freed slave of Abu Huzaifa, used to lead the Prayer for Muhajireen and companions in Qubamosque, and amongst the companions were Abu Bakr and Umar.[31]

It is worth saying that Abu Bakr was there a Mamoom (praying behind), and following someone else, who was from Mawali (a freed slave).

Abu Dawood in hisSunan, and Ahmad in hisMusnad narrate that the holy Prophet chose the son of Umme Maktum as the Caliph of Medina.[32]

InMusnad Ahmad there is a tradition, which indicates: Ibn Umme Maktum used to pray with the people although he was blind.[33]

InMaghāzi Waqidi (died in 207 A.H),Tabaqāt Ibn Sa’ad, andSirah Ibn Hisham it is narrated that Ibn Umme Maktum took part in the battles of Badr,[34] Uhud,[35] Bani Nuzayr,[36] Ahzab,[37] Bani Qurayza,[38] Fat’h[39] and other battles.[40]

Waqidi and Ibn Masood narrate, " Ibn Maktum used to be present in Friday prayers with the people, and recite the sermon near the pulpit and the pulpit was on his left. "[41]

I don’t know how the learned scholars forget that Bukhari has mentioned in his book in the chapter of Prayer:

Chapter of Imamat of the slave and the free ones;

Chapter of the tradition, which says Zakwan (the slave of Aysha) use to lead for Aysha from the aspect of Quran.

Chapter of the Imamat of illegitimate children and Bedouins.

Chapter of Imamate of the young boy (who has not reached the age of puberty). [42]

Imamate of a young boy who had not reached the age of puberty

It is narrated from Amr Ibn Salma, in the chapter of the Victory of Mecca, that his community used to prefer him in leading the Prayer, because he knew to recite the Quran much more than others.

Amr Ibn Salma says: " I was asked to lead the Prayer although I was six or seven yearsold, and there was a dress on my body while going in prostration it moved on one side. "

Then a woman said: " Wouldn’t you cover your back and buttocks from your followers? "

" Then clothes were purchased for me, and nothing like those clothes has made me happy. "[43]

A similar version of this tradition inSunan Abi Dawood has appeared from Ibn Salma : " I was continuously leading my tribe (in prayers). My dress was torn from behind When I used to prostrate my buttocks were visible. " In other tradition he says; " The condition in which I was leading my tribe there was a small coat on my body and it was yellow. When I used to go into prostration my body was visible. "

A woman from the tribe said; " Cover the private parts of your body from us. "

" Then a Yemeni dress was purchased for me. "[44]

Justice is not the condition in Imamat !

Bukhari has narrated, about a person who was misguided, from Hasan Basri that, " Read Prayer behind a person who is misguided and brings wicked ideas! Hisideas harms him only, and are not related to us! "[45]

He has also narrated from Zuhari that, " We don’t believe that a " Mukhannas " (Gay) should become Imam-e-Jamat, except in an emergency.[46]

Companions have narrated from Abu Huraira that the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said; " Daily Prayers can be performed behind any Muslim.Whether he is of a good or bad character; even if he has committed " great sins " . [47]

Examining andAnalyzing the traditions

I don’t know how the Sunni scholars have forgotten these words and concluded Abu Bakr’s Caliphate and successorship from the leading of a congregation pray during the last illness of the Prophet? How did the clear and apparent contradictions between the traditions that have come in the " Sahih books " remain hidden from the scholars?

Did the holy Prophet take permission from his wives to pass the days of his illness in Aysha’s house?

Or he observed the turns of his wives and used to say, " Where am I tomorrow? "

Was he interested that Aysha’s turn come and when Aysha’s turn came, the Prophet got comfort in her house? Or perhaps when it was not Aysha’s turn the Prophet did not go to her house? Actually what did happen in Aysha’s house on that day? What was the holy Prophet asking for? Did he ask for Ali? So when the names of Abu Bakr, Umar and Abbas were mentioned did he agree to it?

When Abu Bakr came to the Prophet, did he tell him to lead the Prayer?

Or the Prophet’s condition was constantly deteriorating. When his condition found little improve, he used to take ablution and when he wanted to get up, his condition become bad. Then he said, " Call Abu Bakr so that he may lead the Pray or other answers thatare mentioned in the traditions or other occasions?

Did Bilal come to the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) to inform him of the time of the Pray? Did the Prophet said: " Bilal I became aware of the time of Prayer, whoever wants can pray, and whoever wants can go? " Did the holy Prophet order Bilal to make him aware about the time of Prayer?

Or rather he said, " Ask someone to lead the people in Prayer. "

Then Ibn Zamá went to Umar and told him that he should lead the people in Prayer. When the holy Prophet heard his voice he said: Allah will not accept this.

Did the holy Prophet order Abu Bakr to lead the people in Prayer,then Aysha went so many times to the holy Prophet so that he may appoint Umar to lead the Prayer, but the holy Prophet did not accept it and said " you are like the women around Joseph " ?

Who, in fact, addressed these words to the Prophet?Aysha or Hafsa? Who invited Umar to lead the Prayer? Did Abu Bakr invite Umar to lead the Prayer? Then he didn’t accept it and said, " You are more eligible to lead the Prayer? " Or IbnZamá, invited Umar to lead the prayer? Then he accepted it and prayed and the Prophet got angry with him? When, for the last time, people saw the holy Prophet, was he praying in a sitting position behind Abu Bakr? Or it was when he turned the curtain aside, in Aysha’s house, and people were standing in rows behind Abu Bakr?