(a) This hadith is also transmitted through another chain, and in it too Muhammad bin Muslim transmits the above-mentioned hadith from Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) stood for the prayer, he would take hold of it (the piece of wood) in his hand, then look (to the right and left), cast his gaze and say: "Be level, straighten your rows." Then he would take hold of it (the piece of wood) in his left hand and repeat these words: "Be level, straighten the rows."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الصلاة / 2295
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the iqamah for the prayer was called while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was talking with a man in a corner of the mosque. He (peace and blessings be upon him) did not begin the prayer until the people began to doze.
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الصلاة / 2296