Note 185 — Chapter XIII · SICKNESS AND DEATH OF ABU BEKR. Jumâd II., A.H. XIII. August, A.D. 634.
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It is not stated on what day this occurred. It may have been only a day or two before his death; for his interview with Mothanna shows that even on the last day of his life, he was able to gather up his strength.
The ordinance ran in these words: ‘In the name of the Lord most Merciful! This is the covenant of Abu Bekr, son of Abu Cohâfa, with the Moslems:’ (here he swooned away)—‘I have appointed, as my Successor over you, Omar, son of Khattâb. I have not in anywise spared myself in this matter; but have striven to the utmost to do the best for you.’ Ibn Khaldûn adds: ‘I know that he will do judgment and justice amongst you; but if he commit tyranny or injustice, verily the future is hidden from mine eyes.’
Asma had been the wife of Jáfar; and again, after Abu Bekr’s death, became one of Aly’s numerous wives. The Arab women still tattoo their breasts and arms with elaborate and beautiful designs.
The reader will remark the freedom with which women of the highest rank appeared in public even at this period, their habits partaking still of the freedom of the desert. But this was not long to last.