I see this as an indication of the coming of my end.

I see this as an indication of the coming of my end.” Then addressing `Ali, he continued: “I was, O 'Ali, given the choice of the treasures of this world and eternal life besides, or Para­dise, but I chose Paradise and meeting my Lord. When I die, you should wash me and cover my nakedness, for no one shall look upon it except a man born blind.” The Prophet then returned to his home, where he re­mained ill for three days.

On Wednesday, he went out to the mosque with his head tightly bandaged with a cloth. He was leaning on 'Ali with his right hand, and on al‑Fadl ibn al‑,`Abbas with the other. He sat on the pulpit and praised Allah repeatedly, then said: “O people, my term among you shall soon come to an end. Let, therefore, anyone who has entrusted me with an object of value, come to me that I may return it to him.

Anyone to whom I am in debt, let him come and declare it to me.” A man rose up and said: “O Apostle of Allah, you owe me a promise; I married, and you promised me three ounces of precious metal.” He said: “Give them to him, O al Fadl.” He remained thus Wednesday and Thursday, but on Fri­day, he again sat on the pulpit and spoke to the people. He said: “O people, there is nothing which can stand between Allah and anyone that could benefit a man or ward off evil from him except good deeds.

O people, let no ambitious man claim anything, or one full of desires, desire anything! For by Him Who sent me with the truth, only good deeds coupled with Allah's mercy can lead to salvation. Even I, had I rebelled against Allah, would have fallen. O Allah, I have thrice conveyed (that is, Allah's command concerning `Ali).” He then stepped down and led the people in prayer, then entered his chamber. He was at the time in the house of Umm Salamah.

He remained there one or two days; then `A'ishah came asking him to move to her chamber in order that she might nurse him. He agreed and moved to the house in which `A'ishah lived. His illness persisted for some days, until he became seriously ill. Bilal then came at the time of the dawn prayers, while the Apostle of Allah was over­whelmed by his illness, and called out: “Time for prayers, may Allah have mercy upon you!

” The Prophet answered: “Let one of the men lead the rest in prayers.” `A'ishah added: “Order Abu Bakr (i.e., her father) that he lead the people in prayers!” Hafsah said: “Order `Umar (i.e., her father)!” The Prophet retorted: “Cease, for you two are like Joseph's little women!