Sayyidah Aisha Siddiqa (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was afflicted with his final illness, Sayyiduna Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) came to inform him of the time for 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 extremely soft-hearted; when he stands in your place, he will begin to weep and will not be able to lead the prayer. It would be better if you command Umar." But 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 very tender-hearted and soft; when he stands in your place, he will begin to weep and will not be able to lead the prayer. If you command Umar, it would be better." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. You are like the women who tried to entice Yusuf (peace be upon him)." So we sent a message to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and called him, and he led the people in prayer. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) felt some improvement in his health, he was taken to the mosque with the support of two men, while his feet were dragging on the ground. When Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) sensed the arrival of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he began to step back, but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gestured to him to remain in his place. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came and sat beside Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) followed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and the rest of the people followed Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him).