Aswad says that once, at noon, I was present with Alqamah in the company of Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him). The prayer was established, so both of us stood behind him. Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) took me by one hand and my companion by the other hand and pulled us forward until each of us was at a corner, and he himself stood between us. Then he said that when there were three people, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do the same. Then, after leading us in prayer, he said: Soon there will come rulers who will delay the prayer from its appointed time. Do not wait for them, and join them with the intention of nafl (supererogatory) prayer.