Narrated Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) addressed the people saying, Allah gave a choice to one of (His) slaves to choose this world or what is with Him. The slave chose what is with Allah.”
Abu Bakr wept, and we were astonished at his weeping caused by what the Prophet (SAW) mentioned as to a slave (of Allah) who had been offered a choice, (we learned later on) that Allah’s Messenger (saws) himself was the person who was given the choice, and that Abu Bakr knew more than us.
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) added Abu Bakr has favoured me much with his company and property (wealth) more than anybody else. If I were to take a Khalil
[2] other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr, but the Islamic brotherhood and friendship is sufficient. Close all the gates in the mosque except the gate of Abu Bakr.”
[Vol. 1, Hadith No. 466]