Hadith 2, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) also said: One day, while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), a man appeared before us, wearing exceedingly white clothes and with exceedingly black hair. No trace of travel could be seen on him, and none of us knew him. He came and sat close to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), rested his knees against his knees, placed his palms on his thighs, and said, “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.”

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam is that you testify that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establish the prayer; give the zakah; fast Ramadan; and make pilgrimage to the House, if you are able to find a way to it.” He said, “You have spoken truthfully.” We were astonished: he asked him and then affirmed him! He said, “Tell me about faith.” He replied, “That you believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and that you believe in destiny, its good and its evil.” He said, “You have spoken truthfully.” He said, “Tell me about excellence.” He replied, “That you worship Allah as though you see Him; for if you do not see Him, He sees you.”

He said, “Tell me about the Hour.” He replied, “The one questioned about it knows no more than the questioner.” He said, “Then tell me about its signs.” He replied, “That a slave woman will give birth to her mistress, and that you will see the barefoot, naked, destitute shepherds of sheep vying in building ever taller structures.” Then he departed, and I remained for a while. Then he said, “O ‘Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “It was Gabriel. He came to you to teach you your religion.” [Narrated by Muslim].