It is narrated from Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was afflicted with his final illness, once Hazrat Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) came to inform him about the prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." We said, "O Messenger of Allah! Abu Bakr is a soft-hearted man; when he stands in your place, he will begin to weep and will not be able to control himself. Therefore, please order Umar to do it." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave the same order again, and we repeated our statement. For the third time, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. You are like the women of Yusuf." So I sent the message to my father. After a while, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) felt some relief from his illness and came out supported by two men, such that his feet were dragging lines on the ground. When Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) realized this, he began to step back, but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gestured to him to remain in his place and himself sat down to the side of Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Thus, Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was following the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and the people were following Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him).