The Prophet (salalahu ‘alayhi wa salam) intimated that after him Abu Bakr (radi allahu anhu) would take charge over the Muslim Nation. Once, after the Prophet (salalahu ‘alayhi wa salam)  spoke to a female questioner, he told her to come back at a later time. She said, "And if I do not find you," as if she was alluding to his death. He (salalahu ‘alayhi wa salam)  said, "If you do not find me, then go to Abu Bakr  (radi allahu anhu)" (Bukhaaree) And in fact Abu Bakr (radi allahu anhu) did assume the duty of leadership after the Prophet (salalahu ‘alayhi wa salam). The Prophet (salalahu ‘alayhi wa salam), wanted to write a declaration, making it clear that Abu Bakr (radi allahu anhu)" was to be the next Khaleefah. However, he refrained from writing it because he knew that his Companions  being pleased with Abu Baker superiority and merit, would choose no one else. The Prophet (salalahu ‘alayhi wa salam) said, "Allah and the believers refuse to have anyone other than Abu Bakr (radi allahu anhu)" (Muslim). In another narration, the Prophet (salalahu ‘alayhi wa salam)  said, "And with those two who come after me, Abu Bakr and 'Umar." (Ahmad, Ibn Maajah, At-Tinnidhee, who ruled it to be authentic). These words were proven to be true, for Abu Bakr (radi allahu anhu) became Khaleefah after the Prophet (salalahu ‘alayhi wa salam) and he was then followed by 'Umar (radi allahu anhu).