Note 422 — Chapter XXVIII · DEATH OF OMAR. A.H. XXIII. A.D. 644.

The selection of Soheib was, no doubt, made advisedly. It will be remembered that Mahomet is thought to have, in a manner, pointed out Abu Bekr as his successor by nominating him, when he was himself laid aside, to preside at the public prayers. Soheib had, of course, no pretensions to the office. He had been a slave at Mecca, but was much revered because of his early conversion (Life of Mahomet, p. 72). So his appointment on this occasion was very suitable.