Salih bin Khawwat narrates from that Companion who offered the prayer of fear (Salat al-Khawf) behind the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the Battle of Dhat al-Riqa‘ (that Companion narrates): A group formed a row with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and another group remained facing the enemy. The Prophet (peace be upon him) led the group with him in one rak‘ah, then those people stood up and completed the rest of their prayer by themselves. Then they left and formed a row facing the enemy, then the second group came. The Prophet (peace be upon him) led them in the remaining rak‘ah of his prayer, then he remained seated and this group completed their prayer, then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said the salam with all of them. Ibn Mahdi says: Imam Malik has given a fatwa according to this narration. Ibn Wahb says: Imam Malik first said to me,“I like this narration the most.”But then he retracted from this position and said,“What I like best is that those people should complete their prayer after the salam.”

Sayyiduna Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led his companions in the prayer of fear (Salat al-Khawf). He led some of the companions in two rak‘ahs and then said salam; those people moved to the rear. Then other people came, and he led them in two rak‘ahs and then said salam. In this way, the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) completed four rak‘ahs, and the Muslims performed two rak‘ahs each.

Sayyiduna Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led them in two rak‘ahs of the prayer of fear and then said the salam. Then he led the other group in two rak‘ahs and said the salam.

Sayyiduna Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led the people in three rak‘ahs of Maghrib prayer, then he finished the prayer. Then other people came, and he led them also in three rak‘ahs. In this way, the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed six rak‘ahs, and the people performed three rak‘ahs each.

Sayyiduna Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) led us in the prayer of fear. The people formed two rows: one row stood following the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and the other stood facing the enemy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) led these people in one rak'ah, then the other group came and took their place, and these people went to face the enemy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) led them in one rak'ah and then said the salam. Then these people stood up and completed their prayer and said the salam. Then these people went and stood facing the enemy in place of the first group, and the first group returned to their place, performed one rak'ah themselves, and said the salam.