Rabi’ah ibn Ka’b Al-Aslami (radi Allahu anhu) narrated, “I was with the Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) one night, bringing him some water. He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘Ask (for anything you wish).’ I said, ‘I ask for your company in Paradise.’ He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘Ask for anything else besides that.’ I said, ‘That is all I wish.’ The Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) then said, ‘Then help me to achieve this for you by devoting yourself to prostration frequently.’”
[Sahih Muslim]
Commentary:
Rabi’ah Ibn Ka’ab (radi Allahu anhu) brought some water for the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) in order to perform ablution, so the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) told him to ask for whatever he wished for, and Rabi’ah asked him to make him his companion in paradise (to make dua’a to Allah to make him his companion in paradise).
This was the way of the companions (radi Allahu anhum) whereby their main goal and aim was the hereafter and this world to them was considered to be nothing but a short journey.
The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) informed Rabi’ah that in order to achieve this great bounty (the Prophet’s companionship in paradise) one must constantly prostrate to Allah Almighty.
The meaning of prostration here is Salat (prayer) because in the Arabic language one may call Salat Sujood (prostration).
And Allah Knows Best!