Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Ata says: I heard Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) saying on the pulpit: When any of you enters the mosque and the people are in the state of bowing (ruku‘), then upon entering (start the prayer and) bow, and while in the state of bowing, walk slowly and join the row; doing so is Sunnah.

When Sayyiduna Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) came, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was in the state of bowing (ruku‘). He performed ruku‘ before reaching the row and then walked and joined the row. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) completed the prayer, he said: “Who among you bowed before reaching the row and then walked and joined the row?” Abu Bakrah said: I did so. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “May Allah increase your eagerness, but do not do so again.”