Chapter #2

1) Meaning of Faith (Surah Al Baqara Verse # 284-286)

2) Hadith E Jibraeel
3) ISLAM, IMAN & EHSAN in the light of Hadith E Jibraeel
Surah Al Baqara (Verse # 284-286)
 Hadith E Jibraeel:

On the authority of Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: One day while we were
sitting with the Messenger of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬there came before us a man with extremely white
clothing and extremely black hair. There were no signs of travel on him and none of us knew
him. He [came and] sat next to the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. He supported his knees up against the knees
of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬and put his hand on his thighs. He said, ‘O Muhammad, tell me about
Islam.’ The Messenger of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬said, ‘Islam is to testify that there is none worthy of
worhsip except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish the prayers,
to pay the zakat, to fast [the month of] Ramadan, and to make pilgrimage to the House if you
have the means to do so.’ He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully [or correctly].’ We were
amazed that he asks the question and then says that he had spoken truthfully. He said, ‘Tell
me about Imaan (faith).’ He [the Messenger of Allah ‫ ]ﷺ‬responded, ‘It is to believe in Allah,
His angles, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and to believe in the divine decree, [both]
the good and the evil thereof.’ He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully.’ He said, ‘Tell me
about al-Ihsaan (goodness).’ He [the Prophet ‫ ]ﷺ‬answered, ‘It is that you worship Allah as if
you see Him. And even though you do not see Him, [you know] He sees you.’ He said, ‘Tell me
about [the time of] the Hour,’ He [the Prophet ‫ ]ﷺ‬answered, ‘The one being asked does not
know more than the one asking.’ He said, ‘Tell me about it’s signs.’ He answered, ‘The slave-
girl shall give birth to her master, and you will see the barefooted, scantily-clothed, destitiute
shepards competing in constructing lofty buildings.’ Then he went away. I stayed for a long
time. Then he [the Prophet ‫ ]ﷺ‬said, ‘O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?’ I said,
‘Allah and His Mesanger know best.’ He said, ‘It was [the angel] Gabriel who came to teach
you your religion.’ (Recorded in Muslim)
 Explanation:

“One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬, there came
before us a man with extremely white clothing and extremely black hair.”

As we know from the end of this hadith, the man who is described here is actually the angel
Jibreel appearing in the form of a bedouin Arab. The first thing that this tells us is that the angel
Jibreel could take different forms, including that of a man.

In this case we can see that Allah sent the angel Jibreel to assist in teaching the people about
the religion of Islam. According to some scholars his teaching comes not only from the
questions he asked, but also from his appearance and behaviour.

What we learn here of his appearance is that he was clean, with no traces of dirt upon him. It is
recommended for Muslims to have a good appearance and to remain clean as much as
possible, especially when attending the mosque or seeking knowledge. White clothing is also
preferred, especially for the people of knowledge.

There is another aspect to note here which is that Islam places an emphasis on both the inner
and outer aspects of the human being. There is a strong relationship between these two things.
In this respect, if one wants to attain knowledge, one must approach it in the proper manner,
with the correct intention, and respect for the knowledge being gained. One must also be
willing to sacrifice one’s time and wealth, and to show the outward signs of respect, such as
sitting in the proper manner.

“There were no signs of travel on him and none of us knew him.”

He was not from the people of Madinah and yet there no signs of travel on him. His appearance
was something special and that attracted people’s attention to him. Perhaps, and Allah knows
best, this was a way to draw people to him and to watch and listen carefully to what he said so
they could pass it on to others.

“He [came and] sat next to the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. He supported his knees up against
the knees of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬and put his hands on his thighs.”

This should be the attitude of those who are truly seeking knowledge, they should try to get
close to the teacher so that they can understand and hear everything he or she says correctly.
Unfortunately, this is no the attitude one finds amongst many Muslims today. People lean
against the wall, slouch and put their feet out, text on their mobile phones etc etc, having no
respect for the magnitude of what is being conveyed.

“He said, ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’ The Messenger of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬said,
‘Islam is to testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish the prayers, to pay the
zakat, to fast [the month of] Ramadan, and to make pilgrimage to the House of
you have the means to do so.’”

In this narration of the hadith, the Angel first asks about Islam.
In other narrations, he first asks about Imaan.
It is interesting to note here that there are some who argue that asking about Imaan should be
first as that is more consistent with the Quranic presentation of such topics. We can see this in
the following example from the Quran:
“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or West [in NAMAZ]. But
righteousness is [the quality of] the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the
Books and the Prophets. [Who] gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the
orphans, and to the poor who beg, and to the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves
free. [And who] offers prayer perfectly and gives the Zakat. And who fulfill their covenant when
they make it, and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment and at the time of fighting.
Such are the people of truth and they are pious.” (al-Baqarah 177)
A similar approach is seen in the beginning verses of Surah al-Anfaal. And Allah knows best.

“He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully [or correctly].’ We were amazed that he
asks the question and then he says that he had spoken truthfully.”

We can see that the behaviour of the Angel was something very strange to the people who
were gathered around the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. First he had asked some questions, implying that he did
not know the answers, and then, he had commented that the answers given were correct.
More importantly, this was information known only from the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬teachings, and this
man was a stranger amongst the people. This made it seem all the more surprising that he had
the boldness to state that the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬replies were correct.

“He said, ‘Tell me about Imaan.”

The next thing the Angel Jibreel asked the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬about was Imaan.
What is Imaan or faith? Who is a believer? What is disbelief? Who is a disbeliever? These
questions appeared very early in the history of Islam, and with them came divisions amongst
the Muslims. Without going into the details of the sects that resulted from these divisions, one
important point emerges that we should learn from.
When it comes to any concept from the Qur’an and Sunnah, historically speaking, there have
been two approaches to determine its meaning.
The first approach is to discover the meaning of that concept from the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬and how he
‫ ﷺ‬passed on the understanding of this knowledge to his Companions, may Allah be pleased
with them, and them to their followers.
The second approach is to go directly to the word itself (eg a Qur’anic term) and try to discover
its meaning from a linguistic or logical viewpoint, without first studying how Allah and His
Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬explained those terms. This approach has led to many misunderstandings about the
concept of Imaan and the advent of heretical groups.
If we firmly believe that the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬explained the entire religion in a clear
manner to his ‫ ﷺ‬Companions, and that he ‫ ﷺ‬explained everything that needs to be known
about the meaning of the Qur’an and how to apply its teachings in our daily life, then we should
have no need to look elsewhere for guidance.

It is clear from evidence contained in the Qur’an and Sunnah that Imaan comprises of belief,
statement and action. Concerning belief in the heart, Allah says in surah al-Maaidah, verse 41:
“O Messenger, let not those who hurry to fall into disbelief grieve you, those who say, ‘We
believe’, with their mouths but their hearts have no faith.”
If what is contained in the heart is not sound and proper, then nothing else will be sound and
proper. Belief in the heart is the foundation and driving force behind all the other components
of Imaan. Next, one needs to state one’s belief with the tongue. This plays a two fold role of
being a statement of fact while also being a statement of commitment to that fact.

He [the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)] said, ‘It is to believe in Allah’”

Belief in Allah is the cornerstone of the Islamic faith, and all of the other Islamic beliefs revolve
around this. If our understanding of Allah and His attributes is incorrect, then the basis of our
own faith may be jeopardized. This is a matter of such fundamental importance that many
Muslim scholars have described the correct belief in Allah, called Tauheed, in great detail.
Tauheed means ‘making something one’.

“His Angels”
Continuing with the Hadith of Jibreel, which you can find posted in full below, we find that the
Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬listed belief in Allah’s Angels as one of the parts of Imaan.
“His Books”
The second part of Imaan mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬in the Hadith of Jibreel is
belief in Allah’s books.
Allah’s books are the revelations that were sent down to His messengers as a mercy and
guidance to mankind. These include the Qur’an revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬,
the Taurah revealed to the Prophet MUSA, peace be upon him, the Injeel revealed to the
Prophet ESSA, peace be upon him, and the Zaboor revealed to the Prophet Dawood, peace be
upon him,. There is also reference in the Qur’an to the “pages” of Abraham and Moses.
It should be remembered though that while the books that the Jews and Christians possess
today, which they call the Torah, Gospel and Psalms, may contain some of the original
revelations, there is no question that they have been distorted and no longer exist in their
original form. They have been mixed with commentaries, historical narrative, biographies of the
prophets and their apostles and inferences from religious scholars. Hence, to believe in
the Taurah of Moses, peace be upon him, for example does not mean that a Muslim believes in
what is contained in the five books of the Old Testament. Rather it is to believe the Taurah was
originally revealed to Moses although it no longer remains on earth in its original form.
All of the previous revelations have been abrogated by the Qur’an. Previous scriptures were
revealed for particular groups of people at particular points in time, but the Qur’an is Allah’s
final revelation and it is for all of mankind. In this respect, as Muslims we must believe in all
that it contains. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And to you We have revealed the Scripture in truth, confirming whatever Scripture that came
before it. So judge among them according to what Allah has revealed.” (Surah al-Maaidah:48)
The Qur’an in the uncreated speech of Allah, and it remains recorded in the original form in
which it was revealed more than 1400 years ago. Since the Qur’an is meant to be a guidance for
all mankind until the Day of Judgement, Allah has promised to protect it from any changes,
mistakes or tampering. Allah says:
“Verily, it is We who have sent down the Reminder [the Qur’an] and surely We will guard it
[from corruption].” (Surah al-Hijr:9)

“His messengers”

The next article of faith mentioned by the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in the Hadith Jibreel is belief in His
messengers.

A messenger is a human who was chosen by Allah to receive revelation from Him, and who was
commanded to pass that revelation on to the people. A person cannot, by himself, through
spiritual exercises or otherwise, reach the level of being a messenger or prophet. It is Allah
alone Who choses His messengers and He knows best whom to choose.

“the Last Day”

Belief in ‘the Last Day’ was the next article of faith mentioned by the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in the Hadith
of Jibreel, posted in full below. It is named ‘the Last Day’ because there will be no new day after
it. It is also known as ‘The Day of Resurrection’, ‘The Reality’, ‘The Overwhelming’, ‘The Event’
and ‘The Day of Judgement’. This is the both the greatest and the gravest day that mankind
shall ever pass through. It will mark a new beginning for each and every soul. One that may be
eternal bliss or eternal suffering.

“…and to believe in the divine decree (al-Qadar), [both] the good and the evil
thereof”

The belief in divine decree, or al-Qadar, both the good and the evil thereof, is the final article of
faith mentioned by the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in the Hadith of Jibreel, posted in full below.
The doctrine of al-Qadar is based on the belief in Allah’s Attributes and beautiful
Names: Knowledge, Ability and Will. Allah says:
“He is the All-Knower [Al-Alim] of everything“(Surah Al-Baqarah:29)
“And He is Able to do all things” (Surah Al-Hadeed:2)
“He does what He intends (or Wills).” (Surah Al-Buruj:16)
Allah has knowledge of everything, and everything happens according to His decree and Will.
He knows about the universals and particulars of all His different types of creation. This is true
for what is sometimes referred to as the actions of Allah – producing rain, giving life and so
forth – as well as the actions of the human beings.

“He said, ‘Tell me about al-Ihsaan (goodness).’”

After asking about Islam and Imaan, the angel Jibreel asked the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬to tell
him about Ihsaan. Ihsaan is a very comprehensive term that can be translated as ‘perfection’ or
‘goodness’, and implies doing something well, or in the best way, and perfecting something.
The result of a deeper understanding of Ihsaan is that we will be concerned about the quality of
our deeds, and not simply their quantity or outward execution.
Reflect on the deeds that your did today and ask yourself how many of them did you perform
with the conscious intention of pleasing Allah alone, and how many of them did you perform to
the very best of your ability?

“He [the Prophet] answered, “It is that you worship Allah as if you see Him. And
even though you do not see Him, [you know] He sees you.”

When the angel Jibreel asked the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬to tell him about Ihsaan, in the
Hadith of Jibreel posted in full below, the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬replied by explaining this particular
aspect of Ihsaan, which is to worship Allah as if you see Him, or if you can not do that, to at
least be aware that He sees you.
Firstly it is important to note that ‘worship’ as mentioned in this part of the hadith, is not just
referring to the NAMAZ. Rather it relates to all the acts that a person performs, both inward
and outward, which should all be carried out with complete servitude to Allah.
The presence of either level of Ihsaan places a believer far ahead of those who believe in Allah
and theoretically know that He sees all things, but do not allow this knowledge to have any real
effect on their worship. A person who just prays mechanically without really allowing
contemplation of Allah to reach their hearts, is not deserving of the title ‘Muhsin’, or one who
has the quality of Ihsaan. And as we learnt in the last post,
“Allah loves the muhsineen” (Surah al-Maaidah:93)
The muhsin will receive a special reward for this attitude to worship, as Allah (swt) has stated in
the Qur’an:
“For those who have done good is the best and even more.” (Surah Yunus:26)

“He [Angel Jibreel] said, ‘Tell me about [the time of] the Hour.’ He [the Prophet
‫ ]ﷺ‬answered, ‘The one being asked does not know more than the one asking.”

After asking about Islam, Imaan and Ihsaan, the Angel Jibreel asked the Prophet Muhammad
‫ ﷺ‬about the Hour and its signs, in the hadith of Jibreel posted in full below. In other narrations
of this hadith it is noted that the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬lowered his head when asked about the time of
the Hour and did not respond. The Angel Jibreel then asked the question three times before the
Messenger ‫ ﷺ‬finally responded.

“He [the Angel Jibreel] said, ‘Tell me about its [the Hour’s] signs.’”

No one can know when the Day of Judgement will occur. Allah has, however taught His
messengers some of the signs that will show people that the Hour is approaching. Reflecting
upon these signs, and seeing evidence of them occurring, can help us to reflect on the approach
of the Day of Judgement, and remind us that our time is limited. This type of reflection can in
turn have a direct impact on our level of Ihsaan.

“He [the Prophet‫ ]ﷺ‬answered, ‘The slave-girl shall give birth to her master. ‘”
Opinion 1: The slave-girls who have given birth to their owners children will be sold by their
owners. There will be so much selling of women that a woman’s son will later buy her and not
realise it is his mother. The one she gave birth to will become her master.

Opinion 2: Children will disobey their mothers, and the child will end up treating his own
mother like a slave girl, showing her disdain. In this case ‘her master’ is figurative and it
is evidence of the norms of society changing so much that things are no longer as they should
be. This view is the most general in application.

And Allah knows best.

“And you will see the barefooted, scantily-clothed, destitute shepherds

competing in constructing lofty buildings.’”

This sign is a further illustration that the norms of society will be turned upside down near the
approach of the Hour. Barefooted shepherds will be in control of wealth and their only concern
will be boasting about the construction of tall buildings. In general, this sign means that those
not qualified to be in charge, will be running the affairs, and as a result they will squander
wealth with extravagance. The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬said in a hadith recorded in Bukhari:
“When the affairs are in the hands of those who are not qualified for it, then expect the Hour.”
Reflecting upon the interpretation of these signs as explained here, you could be forgiven for
thinking that we may in fact be witnessing some of the signs of the Hour approaching. Allah
knows best.

But what is important, is that we use this knowledge of the certainty of the approach of the
Hour to strengthen our practice of the Deen, to raise our level of Ihsaan, and to
remind ourselves that our time on this earth is limited. Another day has passed and what have
we done?
“Then he [the Angel Jibreel] went away. I stayed for a long time. Then he [the
Prophet (s)] said, ‘O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?’ I said, ‘Allah
and His Messenger know best.’ He (s) said, ‘It was [the Angel] Gabriel who came
to teach you about your religion [Deen].’”

After having asked the Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬to explain the meaning of Islam,Imaan,
Ihsaan and some of the signs of the Hour [the Last Day], the Angel Jibreel then left the
gathering. Shortly afterwards, the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬told those people who were still sitting with him
‫ ﷺ‬that it had been revealed to him ‫ ﷺ‬that it was the Angel Jibreel who had come to them, in
order to teach them about their deen or religion.