SIRAH: The day when a stranger came

 
Umar bin Khattab (RA**), one of close companions of the Messenger
of God (SAW*) narrated:

One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of God there
appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and
whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be
seen on him and none of us knew him.

He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against
his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said: "O
Muhammad, tell me about Islam".

The Messenger of God answered: "Islam is to testify that there is
no other god but One God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God,
to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat (charity), to fast in Ramadhan,
and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so."

He said: "You have spoken rightly".

We were amazed at him asking the Messenger of God and saying that
he had spoken rightly.

He again said: "Then tell me about Iman (faith)"

The Messenger of God answered: "It is to believe in God, His
Angels, His Scriptures, His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe
in Destiny, both the good and the evil thereof."

He said: "You have spoken rightly".
He again said: " Then tell me about Ihsan (perfect goodness)"

The Messenger of God answered: "It is to worship God as though
you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not, but truly He sees
you".

He said: "Then tell me about the Hour".

The Messenger of God answered: "The one who was asked knows
no better than the one who asked the question."

He said: "Then tell me about its signs."

The Messenger of God answered: "That the slave-girl will give birth
to her master and that you will see the barefooted, naked,
destitute herdsman competing in constructing lofty buildings."

Then the stranger took himself off and I (Umar) stayed for a time.

Then the Messenger of God asked me: "O Umar, do you know who the
questioner was?"

I said: "God and His Messenger know best".

The Messenger of God said: "He was Archangel Gabriel, who came
to teach you your religion."


Notes:
Sirah = Story of the life of the Prophet and Messenger of God, Muhammad (SAW).
*  SAW = Sallallahu 'alayhi wasalam (may God's blessing and peace be upon him)
**  RA = Radhiallahu 'anhu/'anha (may God be pleased with him/her).

Reference: Sahih Muslim