The prayer had been called, and something had occurred between the Prophet ﷺ and his wives, with him going back and forth between them trying to settle the matter. Abu Bakr came in and said, "Messenger of Allah, throw dust in their mouths and go out to pray."
حدثنا ابن أبي عدي عن حميد
أقيمت الصلاة وكان بين النبي ﷺ وبين نسائه شيء فجعل يرد بعضهن على بعض فجاء أبو بكر فقال يا رسول الله احث في أفواههن التراب واخرج إلى الصلاة