An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith [2]
Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said,
While we were sitting with Messenger Muhammad, [peace be upon him] one day, a man dressed in pure white and with dark black hair, came to us. No traces of travel were on his appearance and no one of us knew him.
Then, he sat beside Prophet Muhammad, leaned his knees on Prophet Muhammad’s knees, and put his palms over his thighs.
Then, the man said, ‘O Muhammad, tell about the meaning of Islam.’ Messenger Muhammad said, ‘Islam is to testify that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, perform the prayer, give the Zakat, fast the month of Ramadan, and perform the Hajj if one is able to do so.’
The man said, ‘You have spoken the truth.’
We were astonished at the conduct of the man. He asked Messenger Muhammad a question, and then, he confirmed the truthfulness of his answer.’
Then, the man asked Messenger Muhammad and said, ‘Tell me about the meaning of Iman (faith).’
Messenger Muhammad said, ‘It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books and Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in the preordainment, good or evil.’
The man said, ‘You have spoken the truth.’
Then he said, ‘Tell me about the meaning of Ihsan (kind act).’
Messenger Muhammad said, ‘It is to worship Allah as if you could see Him; if you cannot see Him, He sees you.’
Then, the man said, ‘Tell me about the appointed time for the Hour (the Day of Judgment).’
Messenger Muhammad said, ‘The questioned person knows no more than the questioner about it.’
Then, the man said, ‘Tell me about its signs.’
Messenger Muhammad said, ‘The slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and you will see the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the shepherds competing with one another in building lofty buildings.’
Then, the man left and Umar waited for a while. Then, Messenger Muhammad said, ‘O Umar, do you know who was the questioner?’
Umar said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’
Messenger Muhammad said, ‘He was Gabriel. He came to teach you about your religion.’
[Sahih Muslim]
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