Sayyiduna Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent me for some task. When I returned to him, he was either facing east or west (i.e., he was riding his mount). I greeted him with salam, and he gestured with his blessed hand. Then I greeted him again, and he gestured with his noble hand. I went back (after a short while), and then he called me: "O Jabir!" The people also called me: "O Jabir!" I presented myself before him and said: "O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)! I greeted you with salam, but you did not reply to me." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "At that time, I was performing prayer."