”[^1] He then rose, even though he was unable to stand because of weakness.

”[^1] He then rose, even though he was unable to stand because of weakness. He leaned on `Ali and al‑Fadl and went to the mosque dragging his feet because of weak­ness. When he entered, he found that Abu Bakr had already stood facing the niche. He beckoned to him, and Abu Bakr stepped back. The Messenger of Allah stood up, and uttering the formula of consecration (that is, takbiratu'l‑ihram), he began the prayers.

When he had done and returned to his chamber, he called for Abu Bakr and `Umar along with others who were present and said: “Have I not commanded you to send off Usamah's army?” Abu Bakr replied: “I had already set out, but I returned to see you.” `Umar said: “I did not go because I did not wish to be absent, and thus have to enquire of the caravan to get news about you.” He repeated three times: “Send off Usamah's army!” He then fell into a swoon because of the fatigue which he suffered.

He remained thus unconscious for a while, so that the Muslims began to weep and his wives and children began to wail loudly. But he regained consciousness and said: “Bring me a pen and shoulder blade that I may in­scribe for you a writ after which you shall never go astray! ” Again, he lost consciousness.

One of his present was about to go and fetch a pen and shoulder blade, but `Umar said to him: “Come back, for he is hallucinating!” When the Prophet again regained consciousness, some of his said: “O Apostle of Allah, should we not bring you a pen and shoulder blade?” “No”, he said, “not after what you have said! Rather, keep well my memory through kindness to the people of my Household. Treat with kind­ness the people of dhimmah (that is, Jews and Christians), and feed the poor.

Observe regular prayers, and be kind to the women whom your right hands possess.” He continued to repeat these injunctions until he could endure no longer, and turned his face away from the people. Everyone got up and left except al‑`Abbas, al‑Fadl, 'Ali and others of his close family; they stayed by his side. al‑`Abbas said: “O Apostle of Allah, if this affair (that is, the succession) shall remain forever with us (that is, the tribe of Hashim) after you, then announce to us the good news!

If, however, you know that we shall be forced to abandon it against our will, then commend us to the people.” He said: “You are those who shall be oppressed after me.” He then fell silent. The people wept as they got up to leave.