It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) began the prayer and said the takbeer, then signaled to the companions to remain in their places. Then he went home, and when he came out, drops of water were dripping from his head. Then he led the prayer, and after the prayer he said: "I am also a human being; ghusl (ritual bath) had become obligatory upon me."