Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 431
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 431 long, absorbed in meditation. At last winding up his thoughts, he prayed aloud for those who were buried there, supplicating thus: ‘Verily, both ye and I have received fulfilment of that which our Lord did promise us. Blessed are ye, for your lot is better than the lot of those that are left behind. Temptation and trial approach like portions of a dark night that follow one upon another, each darker than that preceding it. Lord, have mercy upon them that lie buried here. ’ With these words, he turned and wen t back to his apartment. His sickness returned upon him with increasing violence, but it did not confine him entirely to his apartment. He was able to move into the Mosque and lead the public Prayers, till it became difficult for him to do so. He then directed that Abu Bakr should conduct the Prayers in his stead, upon which Aisha urged, ‘Messenger of Allah, truly Abu Bakr is a man of a tender heart, and weepeth readily. He will not be able to stand in your place and to lead the Prayers. ’ ‘Command that he lead the Prayers,’ repeate d the Holy Prophet, and Aisha still urging her pleas, he observed, ‘Truly, ye resemble the foolish women in the story of Joseph; give command forthwith as I desire. ’ The command was given, and Abu Bakr conducted the public Prayers during the remaining peri od of the Holy Prophet’s illness. There can be little doubt that by nominating Abu Bakr to this duty the Holy Prophet intended the delegation of his authority to him. This was further confirmed by his direction that all doors opening into the courtyard of the Mosque be closed, except the door of Abu Bakr’s apartment. With the consent of his other wives, he decided to remain in