Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not come to us (to lead the prayer) for three days. Then, when the iqamah for prayer was pronounced, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) stepped forward to lead the people in prayer. (During this time) the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) lifted the curtain, and we never saw a sight more beloved to us than the sight of the face of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that became visible. Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gestured to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to move forward (and lead the prayer). Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) let the curtain fall, and we could not reach him until his passing (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Imam Abu Bakr (may Allah have mercy on him) says that this narration belongs to the category I have mentioned, that an understood gesture sometimes takes the place of speech. Because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made it clear to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) by gesture that he was ordering him to lead the prayer. Thus, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) considered the gesture sufficient instead of verbally commanding to lead the prayer.