Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) leads the Prayer prior to the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa) (Hazrat Musleh Mau’d’s (ra) Narration)
In accordance with the first narration, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:
“Hazrat Aisha (ra) narrates, ‘when the Holy Prophet (sa) was unwell due to the illness that led to his demise, he was unable to lead the prayers because of severe weakness. For this reason, he instructed Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to lead the prayers. When Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) started the prayer, the Holy Prophet (sa) felt some relief and went out for prayer.’ Hazrat Aisha (ra) states, ‘After instructing Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to lead the prayer and after the prayer had started, the Holy Prophet (sa) felt some alleviation from his illness. Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) emerged while two men supported him up.’ She continues to state, ‘At that time, I saw before my eyes that the feet of the Holy Prophet (sa) were dragging against the ground due to severe pain. Upon seeing him, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) intended on stepping back. The Holy Prophet (sa) became aware of this and indicated to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to remain in his place. Then, the Holy Prophet (sa) was brought there and he took a seat next to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) began to pray and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) followed him in prayer, and the rest of the people followed Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) in prayer.’”
(Sirat al-Nabi (sa), Anwar al-‘Ulum, Vol. 1, pp. 506-507)