When Abu Bakr As-Siddiq fell ill, 'Umar was appointed to lead the prayer in his place. And it was during his illness that Abu Bakr appointed 'Umar as his successor to the post of caliph. He dictated his decision to 'Uthmân ibn 'Affân who wrote the decree. The latter was read to the Muslims who accepted its content and submitted to the decision of the dying caliph. When Abu Bakr died on Monday - after dusk it is said - and was buried at night, eight days before the end of the month of Jumâdah Al-Akhirah of the year 13H, 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab, Al- Fârûq, the commander of the believers, took over in the most beautiful way. He was the first to be named “Commander of the Faithful”.