It is narrated from Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was afflicted with his final illness, on one occasion Hazrat Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) came to inform the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about the prayer. After the second time, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him, "Bilal! You have conveyed the message. Whoever wishes may pray, and whoever wishes may leave it." Hazrat Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) turned back and asked, "O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)! May my parents be sacrificed for you, who will lead the people in prayer?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Go and tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." When Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) stepped forward to lead the prayer, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) drew back the curtain of his house. It seemed as if a white paper was there and a sheet had been placed over it. Hazrat Siddiq Akbar (may Allah be pleased with him) began to step back, thinking that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wished to come for the prayer, but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) signaled to him to remain standing and complete the prayer. Thus, Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) led the people in prayer, and after that, we did not see the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).