It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) 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 about the prayer. After informing him a second time, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Bilal! You have fulfilled your responsibility. Whoever wishes to pray may do so, and whoever wishes may leave it." Then Sayyiduna Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) returned to him and said: "O Messenger of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for you, who will lead the people in prayer?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." When Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) stepped forward to lead the prayer, the curtain in front of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was lifted. We looked towards him, and his blessed face was like a white sheet of paper (extremely white and radiant), and he was covered with a black-striped cloak. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) thought that perhaps the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wished to come for the prayer, so he began to step back, but the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) signaled to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to remain standing and lead the prayer. Thus, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) led the people in prayer. After that, we were not able to see the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) again.