English translation
664. Narrated Al-Aswad, "We were with Āishah رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا discussing the regularity of offering Aṣ-Ṣalāt (the prayer) and dignifying it. She said, 'When Allāh's Messenger ﷺ fell sick with his fatal illness and when the time of Aṣ-Ṣalāt became due and Adhān was pronounced, he said, 'Tell Abū Bakr to lead the people in Ṣalāt (prayer).' He was told that Abū Bakr was a soft-hearted man and would not be able to lead the Ṣalāt in his place. The Prophet ﷺ gave the same order again but, he was given the same reply. He gave the order for the third time and said, 'You (women) are the companions of Yūsuf (Joseph). Tell Abū Bakr to lead the Ṣalāt.' So, Abū Bakr came out to lead the Ṣalāt. In the meantime the condition of the Prophet ﷺ improved a bit and he came out with the help of two men, one on each side. As if I was observing his legs dragging on the ground owing to the discomfort. Abū Bakr wanted to retreat but the Prophet ﷺ beckoned him to remain at his place and the Prophet ﷺ was brought till he sat beside Abū Bakr.” Al-A’mash was asked, “Was the Prophet ﷺ offering prayers and Abū Bakr was following him, and were the people following Abū Bakr in that Ṣalāt,” Al-A’mash replied in the affirmative with a nod of his head. Abū Mu’āwiyya said, “The Prophet ﷺ was sitting on the left side of Abū Bakr who was offering prayers while standing.”