It is narrated from Nafi‘ that when Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) was asked about the prayer of fear (Salat al-Khawf), he would say: The imam should step forward to lead the prayer, and some people should be behind him, while some people should face the enemy. When those who are behind the imam have completed one rak‘ah with him, they should go to face the enemy and should not say salam (to end the prayer), and those who have not yet started the prayer should come and perform one rak‘ah behind the imam. Then the imam should say salam, and each group should come in turn and complete one more rak‘ah, so that each group completes two rak‘ahs. And if the fear is very severe, then those on foot should pray standing and by gesture, and those mounted should pray on their mounts, even if their faces are not towards the qiblah.

Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Nafi‘ said that Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) must have heard this hadith from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).