It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that once the iqamah for prayer was being called, the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also arrived and stood at his place. When the takbeer was about to be said, the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) signaled to the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) with his hand to stay where they were, and the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left. When he returned, drops of water were dripping from his head. Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) led us in prayer. After finishing the prayer, he said, "Ghusl (ritual bath) was obligatory upon me, but I had forgotten to perform it."