When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ migrated, he rode with Abu Bakr seated behind him. Abu Bakr was recognized along the way because of his frequent travels to Syria. Whenever they passed by people, they would ask, "Who is this in front of you, Abu Bakr?"He would reply, "A guide who is guiding me."When they drew near to Medina, the two of them sent word to the people of the Ansar who had embraced Islam, to Abu Umama and his companions. They came out to meet them and said, "Enter in safety and as ones to be obeyed."So they entered.Anas said, "I have never seen a day brighter or more beautiful than the day the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and Abu Bakr entered Medina. And I witnessed his death, and I have never seen a day darker or more dreadful than the day on which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed away."
لما هاجر رسول الله ﷺ كان رسول الله ﷺ يركب وأبو بكر رديفه، وكان أبو بكر يعرف في الطريق لاختلافه إلى الشام، وكان يمر بالقوم فيقولون: من هذا بين يديك يا أبا بكر؟ فيقول: هاد يهديني. فلما دنوا من المدينة، بعثا إلى القوم الذين أسلموا من الأنصار، إلى أبي أمامة وأصحابه، فخرجوا إليهما، فقالوا: ادخلا آمنين مطاعين، فدخلا، قال أنس: فما رأيت يوما قط أنور ولا أحسن من يوم دخل رسول الله ﷺ وأبو بكر المدينة، وشهدت وفاته، فما رأيت يوما قط أظلم ولا أقبح من اليوم الذي توفي رسول الله ﷺ فيه.
Ahmad (12234) and Abu Yaala (3486) all narrated it from the hadith of Hammad bin Salama, from Thabit, from Anas, as mentioned. Its isnad is sahih. Al-Hakim said, sahih according to the criterion of Muslim. Haythami said in Majma (6/59-60), Ahmad narrated it, and its men are the men of the Sahih.