In his final days, while suffering from a severe fever and chills, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was attended by his family. His daughter, **Fatimah**, ministered to him. During a private moment, the Prophet (pbuh) whispered something to her that made her weep, and then whispered something else that made her smile. She later revealed the secret: he first told her he would not recover from the illness, causing her tears; then he told her she would be the **first of his family to join him**, bringing her joy. This prediction came true six months later.

When Fatimah lamented his suffering, the Prophet (pbuh) consoled her, saying, **“Your father will suffer no more pain after this day.”** Throughout the day, anxious Muslims filed in and out of his apartment, offering prayers and medicines, all confused and alarmed for their beloved leader.

The Final Choice

In his last hour, as his head rested on the lap of his wife, **‘Ā’ishah**, the Prophet (pbuh) murmured his last words. ‘Ā’ishah recounted the moment:

“I looked at his face and found that his eyes were still. I heard him murmur, **‘Rather, God on High and Paradise.’** I said to him, ‘By Him Who sent you as a prophet to teach the truth, you’ve been given the choice, and you chose well.’”

The Prophet of God passed away on **June 8th, 632 CE**. He was buried where he lay, marking the close of his earthly mission. The new Muslim community was instantly thrown into grief and uncertainty, facing the daunting task of continuing his mission without his direct guidance.

A Foundation of Principle: Abu Bakr’s Speech

The news of the Prophet’s (pbuh) death caused extreme turmoil. **‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb**, overcome with stress and grief, drew his sword and swore he would fight anyone who claimed the Prophet (pbuh) was truly gone. **Abu Bakr** arrived and, seeing the distraught crowd, immediately delivered a critical speech to anchor the community’s faith:

“If anyone worships Muhammad, know that **Muhammad has died**. But if anyone worships God, then know that **He is alive and cannot die**.”

Abu Bakr then cemented this reality by reciting a verse from the Qur’an:

“Muhammad is no more than a messenger. There were many messengers who passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, would you then turn and run away? Anyone who runs away does no harm to God in the least, and God will quickly reward (those who serve Him) in gratitude.” (**Qur’an 3:144**)

‘Umar accepted the profound wisdom, slumped into his friend’s arms, and wept. Eventually, **Abu Bakr** was chosen as the first **Caliph** (leader) of the Muslim community. His inaugural address established a standard for righteous governance:

“O people, I’ve been elected your leader, even though I’m no better than any of you. If I do right, help me. If I do wrong, correct me… The weak among you shall be strong with me until I secure their rights. The powerful among you shall be weak with me until, if God wills, I’ve taken what is due from them… Obey me as long as I obey God and His Messenger. If I disobey God and His Messenger, then you are free to disobey me.”

This speech, focusing on accountability, justice for the weak, and conditional obedience, established the ethical and legal framework for leadership in the nascent Islamic state.