Saqifa was an assembly hall in Madina where the people used to meet to discuss some important social and political issues. It was at this place that the Ansar had gathered after the death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to discuss one of the most important issues of the leadership crises that had arisen after the death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). The event takes its place from this assembly hall where Abu Bakar was appointed as the first caliph of the Muslims. Saqifa is also remembered as the first incident which led to the split of the Muslim community into Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) died on June 8th 632 (CE). After the death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) Umer and Abu Bakar along with other Muslims had gathered at his residence. The followers of the Prophet were in mourning and were busy in the preparations for the burial of the Prophet. Abu Bakar, Umer, and Obadiah were also there and were preparing for the funeral. At that time Umer came to know through secret information that Ansars had gathered at a place called Saqifa Bani Sa’idah to discuss the succession of the Prophet. Umer was told that the Ansar wanted to appoint a person from among themselves as the successor to the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). The informer further advised Umer to go and look into the situation which looked grave or else the Ansar would nominate a person whose appointment could lead to a war between the Ansars and the Muhajireen. Upon hearing this Umar asked Abu Bakar to accompany him to Saqifa to look into the situation and to solve the matter amicably (Numani, 1908, pg.87).

It has been recorded in the history that Abu Obadiah did not leave with the two companions from the residence of the Holy Prophet. He met the two on the way and upon hearing the gravity of the situation agreed to join them (Poonawalla, 1990, pg. 188). Ali was not with them at Saqifa because he was busy with the burial arrangements of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) (Rahim, 2001, pg. 57).