One day when we were with God's messenger, a man with very white clothing and very black hair came up to us. No mark of travel was visible on him, and none of us recognised him. Sitting down beside the Prophet, leaning his knees against his, and placing his hands on his thighs, he said, “Tell me, Muhammad, about Islam." He replied, “Islam means that you should testify that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is God’s messenger, that you should observe the prayer, pay the zakat, fast during Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the House if you have the means to go." He said, “You have spoken the truth." We were surprised at his questioning him and then declaring that he spoke the truth. He said, “Now tell me about faith.” He replied, “It means that you should believe in God, His angels, His books, His apostles, and the last day, and that you should believe in the decreeing both of good and evil." Remarking that he had spoken the truth, he then said, “Now tell me about doing good." He replied, “It means that you should worship God as though you saw Him, for He sees you though you do not see Him." He said, “Now tell me about the Hour." He replied, “The one who is asked about it is no better informed than the one who is asking." He said, “Then tell me about its signs." He replied, “That a maid-servant should beget her mistress, and that you should see barefooted, naked, poor men and shepherds exalting themselves in buildings." [‘Umar] said: He then went away, and after I had waited for a long time [the Prophet] said to me, “Do you know who the questioner was, ‘Umar?" I replied, “God and His messenger know best." He said, “He was Gabriel who came to you to teach you your religion."Muslim transmitted it.
The Hadith of Gabriel: Foundation of Islamic Sciences
This profound narration, recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih and authenticated by Muslim, presents the angel Gabriel in human form instructing the Muslim community about the fundamental pillars of their religion. The scholars note that this hadith comprehensively outlines the three dimensions of Islam: Islam (external submission), Iman (internal faith), and Ihsan (spiritual excellence).
The Meaning of Faith (Iman)
When the questioner inquired about faith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) defined it as belief in six essential articles: God, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree encompassing both good and evil. Classical commentators explain that true faith requires both verbal affirmation and heartfelt conviction.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that these six pillars form the complete foundation of Islamic creed. Belief in God encompasses His unity, attributes, and exclusive right to worship. Belief in angels acknowledges their existence as honored servants who execute God's commands. Belief in scriptures requires acceptance of all revealed books, while belief in messengers necessitates acknowledging all prophets sent by God.
The Excellence of Ihsan
The Prophet's definition of Ihsan as "worshipping God as if you see Him, and though you do not see Him, He sees you" represents the highest spiritual station. Al-Nawawi explains this signifies complete mindfulness and spiritual presence during worship, where the worshipper acts with both hope and fear, combining the states of witnessing and vigilance.
Scholars distinguish between two levels of Ihsan: the rank of witnessing (mushahada) where one worships as if seeing God, and the rank of vigilance (muraqaba) where one remains conscious that God observes all actions. This spiritual excellence perfects both Islam and Iman.
Eschatological Wisdom
The Prophet's response regarding the Hour demonstrates proper humility before divine knowledge. As Al-Qurtubi notes, this teaches Muslims to acknowledge the limits of human knowledge and refer ultimate knowledge to God alone. The mentioned signs indicate major social upheavals where natural hierarchies are inverted and materialism prevails.
The final revelation that the questioner was Gabriel emphasizes the divine origin of this comprehensive teaching. This hadith serves as a complete manual of Islamic doctrine, practice, and spirituality, authentically transmitted through reliable chains of narration.