English Translation

Narrated by Hadrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be well pleased with him): The Noble Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) offered one of the afternoon prayers (Muhammad said, 'I think it was most probably the 'Asr prayer') and completed it after only two rak'at. He then stood near a piece of wood at the front of the mosque and placed his hand on it. Among those present were Hadrat Abu Bakr and Hadrat 'Umar (may Allah be well pleased with them both), but they dared not speak to him (out of reverence). The hasty ones among the people went out saying, 'Has the prayer been shortened?' A man whom the Noble Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to call Dhul-Yadain submitted, 'O Beloved Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), have you forgotten or has the prayer been shortened?' He stated, 'I have neither forgotten nor has the prayer been shortened.' Dhul-Yadain submitted, 'Indeed, you have forgotten.' So the Noble Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) offered two more rak'at and made the Taslim. Then he said Takbir and performed a prostration like his usual prostration or longer. Then he raised his head and said Takbir, then said Takbir again and prostrated like his usual prostration or longer. Then he raised his head and said Takbir.