Translation
‘Umar (R.A.) also narrated: One day while we were sitting in the company of Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.), there appeared before us a man dressed in very white clothes and having extremely black hair.
No signs of journey appeared on him and none of us knew him.
He (walked up and) sat down by the Prophet (S.A.W) leaning his knees against his knees and placed both of his palms over his own thighs and he said: “O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam.” He (S.A.W) replied: -Islam means one should testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger; that you perform Salat (prayer), pay Zakat, observe Ramadan fast and make holy pilgrimage to the House (Ka ‘bah in Makkah) provided you have means to do so.” He said: “You have spoken the truth.” We were amazed at him asking him (the Prophet) and confirming the correctness of the answer. He then asked: “Inform me about faith.” He (S.A.W) answered: “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messengers, the Last Day and to believe in divine destiny (its good and bad consequences.)” He said: “You have spoken the truth.” He then enquired: “Inform me about righteousness.” He (S.A.W) responded: “It is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and even though you do not see Him, indeed He sees you.”
He asked: “Inform me about the hour (i.e. the day of judgment).” He (S.A.W) replied: “The one being questioned (i.e. the Prophet) about it has no more knowledge thereof than the questioner.” He said: “Inform me about its signs.” He (S.A.W) said: “They are: that slave-girl gives birth to her own master and that you will see the bare-footed, naked, poor, shepherds competing with one another in constructing mighty buildings.” Then he departed. I stayed for a while. Then he (S.A.W) said: “0 ‘Umar! Do you know who the questioner was?” I replied: “Allah and His Messenger knows better.” He (S.A.W) said: It was Jibril (Gabriel). He came to teach you your religion.” (Related by Muslim)
Lessons from the Hadith two
- It teaches that one can ask questions in order to benefit or teach others.
- It reveals that angels can sometimes assume human shape.
- It teaches that Islam is built upon five pillars which are: ‘Iman, Salat, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj.
- It emphasises oneness of Allah and messengership of Muhammad (S.A.W).
- It buttresses the significance of believing in the six articles of faith which are: belief in Allah, His angels, His Holy Scriptures, His Messengers, the Last Day and destiny (good or bad).
- It shows that there are different three stages of spiritual development in Islam.
- It informs us that nobody knows the time this world will come to an end except Allah.
- Muslims should believe in the unseen such as: angels, qadar, and the last day among others.
- It teaches that one should worship Allah as if one sees Him.
- One of the signs of the last hour is that people will be competing in worldly matters.
- The Hadith shows that one learns quickly by asking relevant questions from learned scholars.