Majma al-Zawaid 3667 — The prayer of need

Yusuf bin Abdullah bin Salam narrates: I came to Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda' (may Allah be pleased with him) during the illness in which he passed away. He said: "O my nephew! On what errand have you come here?" (Here the narrator is in doubt; perhaps the words are:) "Why have you come?" Yusuf bin Abdullah said: "I have come only because of the bond that existed between you and my father, Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Salam (may Allah be pleased with him)." Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda' (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "What a bad hour this is for lying (i.e. this hour when I am departing from the world)! I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say: 'Whoever performs ablution and does it well, then stands and prays two rak'ahs or four rak'ahs (this doubt is from the narrator named Sahl), performing the bowing and humility well in them, then seeks forgiveness from Allah Almighty, he will be forgiven.'"
Ahmad and al-Tabarani in al-Mu'jam al-Kabir recorded it, except that he recorded these words: "Then he stands and prays two or four rak'ahs, whether obligatory or voluntary, performing the bowing and prostration well in them." Its chain is hasan (good).