We shall presently see how a man came from the SAQIFA and...

We shall presently see how a man came from the SAQIFA and called UMAR aside to give information specifically to him and not the other persons there, whereupon he got up immediately and started out for the SAQIFA. Then on the way to the SAQIFA, two men from among the ANSAR met with him and communicated information to him. This shows that this party had established a regular system of espionage. More will be said on this subject as we proceed.

The Death of the Prophet While ABU BAKR is at SUKH, and UMAR'S Refusal to Believe that the Prophet is Dead: When the Prophet died, ABU BAKR was at SUKH, three or four miles from Medina, with his new bride. Finding ABU BAKR absent, UMAR stood up and treated the people to a sermon thus; "Some MUNAFIQIN say that Muhammad is dead; but he is not dead. He had gone to meet his God as Moses had gone. He will return shortly and will cut off the hands and feet of these men".

He was brandishing his sword ad threatening to kill the people who had said that Muhammad had died. The Arrival of ABU BAKR, his Admonishing of the Mourners, his Exhortation to the People to Select the Successor, and UMAR'S Recognition of the Prophet's Death: ABU BAKR arrived, went up to the dead body of the Prophet, kissed the face, came over to where UMAR was, and then harangued the people thus; "O people, he who used to worship Muhammad should know that He is alive and will never die.

The appointment of a successor is absolutely essential, come and give your opinion in the matter". They replied that he had said the right thing and that they would consider the matter. He also referred to the QUR'ANIC AYA in which it is stated that Muhammad would die. UMAR said that on ABU BAKR'S reminding him of the AYA, he recollected that there was such a AYA in the QUR'AN, and then recognized that Muhammad had died.

UMAR'S Private Receipt of News and his Departure with ABU BAKR for the SAQIFA: Both UMAR and ABU BAKR went to the house where the Prophet was lying dead; many people had collected there. Just then a man came and called out to UMAR alone to come out, and then told him that the ANSAR were gathering in the SAQIFA OF BANI SA'IDA, and that he should do something before anything untoward happened.

UMAR then advised ABU BAKR to go to the SAQIFA too; he agreed, and they both set off towards the SAQIFA together.