(54) Chapter: Excellence of Weeping out of Fear from Allah (swt)

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
When the illness of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) became serious, he was asked about the leading of Salat and he said, "Ask Abu Bakr to lead Salat." Whereupon, 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said; "Abu Bakr is very tender hearted. He is bound to be overcome by weeping when he recites the Qur'an." Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) repeated, "Ask him (Abu Bakr) to lead Salat".

In another narration: 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: "When Abu Bakr stands in your place, he will not be able to recite the Noble Qur'an to the people on account of weeping."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary:
1. This Hadith brings into prominence the distinction of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him). It was because of this distinction that the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) selected him as Khalifah (caliph) after the death of the Prophet (PBUH). On this occasion, `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said, "Should we not like him for our (worldly life) political leadership when the Prophet (PBUH) had chosen him for our Deen".

2. The justification for weeping at the time of the recitation of the Noble Qur'an. This was a special virtue of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) which was a mark of his perfect Faith.