Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq — Page 111
33 DEATH Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra had been Khalifah for two and a quarter years when his last days arrived. Hadrat ‘ A ’ishah ra says that one day when it was extremely cold, Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra took a bath, and after the bath he came down with a fever which lasted continuously for fifteen days. During his illness, Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra delegated his duties to Hadrat ‘Umar ra. When he realised that his illness might be very serious, he selected Hadrat ‘Umar ra as his successor, after consulting with the companions ra. He announced it himself at a public gathering, “I have not appointed a relative or brother as Khalifah. In fact, I have chosen the one who is best among you. ” Everyone in attendance accepted this excellent choice and said