Hadith Number 2 of Imam An-Nawawi: The Hadith of Jibril
Introduction
Among the most important and comprehensive Hadith in Islam is the famous Hadith of Jibril (Gabriel عليه السلام), which is Hadith Number 2 in the Forty Hadith collection of .
The Forty Hadith of Imam An-Nawawi is one of the most widely studied collections of Hadith in the Muslim world. The Imam carefully selected narrations that summarise the essential teachings of Islam. Scholars throughout history have praised this collection because it contains foundational principles relating to belief, worship, manners, and spiritual purification.
Hadith Number 2 is especially significant because it explains the three levels of the religion:
Islam
Iman (faith)
Ihsan (spiritual excellence)
It also discusses the signs of the Hour and teaches Muslims the importance of sincerity, knowledge, and worship. Because of the broad subjects covered in this narration, many scholars described it as a summary of the entire religion.
This Hadith teaches Muslims not only what to believe, but also how to worship Allah properly and how to prepare for the Hereafter.
The Full Hadith
The Hadith is narrated by , who said:
“One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black. No signs of travel were seen upon him, and none of us knew him.
He sat down close to the Prophet ﷺ, placing his knees against his knees and his hands upon his thighs, and said:
‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
‘Islam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give Zakah, to fast Ramadan, and to perform Hajj to the House if you are able to do so.’
He said: ‘You have spoken the truth.’
We were amazed that he questioned him and then confirmed him.
Then he said:
‘Tell me about Iman.’
He said:
‘It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Divine Decree, both its good and its evil.’
He said: ‘You have spoken the truth.’
Then he said:
‘Tell me about Ihsan.’
He said:
‘It is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then indeed He sees you.’
Then he said:
‘Tell me about the Hour.’
He said:
‘The one being asked knows no more about it than the one asking.’
Then he said:
‘Tell me about its signs.’
He said:
‘That the slave woman will give birth to her mistress, and that you will see barefoot, naked, destitute shepherds competing in constructing tall buildings.’
Then the man left.
I remained for a while, then the Prophet ﷺ said:
‘O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?’
I said: ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’
He said:
‘That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion.’”
This Hadith is recorded in .
Context of the Hadith
The Arrival of Jibril عليه السلام
The companions were sitting with the Prophet ﷺ when a stranger suddenly appeared. His appearance was remarkable:
His clothes were extremely white
His hair was very black
There were no signs of travel on him
Nobody in Madinah recognised him
This amazed the companions because travellers usually showed signs of journeying through the desert such as dust, fatigue, or worn clothing.
The man then sat very respectfully before the Prophet ﷺ, placing his knees close to the Prophet’s knees. This showed the manners of a sincere student seeking knowledge.
Later, the Prophet ﷺ informed the companions that this man was actually the Angel Jibril عليه السلام, who had come in human form to teach the people their religion.
This demonstrates the importance of seeking knowledge through questions and answers.
Explanation of Islam
When Jibril asked about Islam, the Prophet ﷺ explained the Five Pillars of Islam.
1. Shahadah (Testimony of Faith)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“To testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
This declaration is the foundation of Islam.
The first part affirms Tawheed — worshipping Allah alone without partners.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And your god is one God. There is no deity worthy of worship except Him, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:163)
The second part requires believing in and following the Messenger ﷺ in worship, belief, and conduct.
2. Salah (Prayer)
Prayer is the greatest pillar after the Shahadah.
Allah says:
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:103)
Salah strengthens the servant’s connection with Allah and protects from immorality and sin.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has disbelieved.”
(Authentic Hadith)
3. Zakah (Obligatory Charity)
Zakah purifies wealth and helps the needy.
Allah says:
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)
Islam teaches compassion, generosity, and social responsibility.
4. Fasting Ramadan
Fasting teaches self-control, patience, sincerity, and gratitude.
Allah says:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain Taqwa.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those able to perform it.
Allah says:
“And pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by people who are able to undertake it.”
(Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:97)
Hajj teaches humility, unity, sacrifice, and obedience to Allah.
Explanation of Iman
The Prophet ﷺ then explained the Six Articles of Faith.
1. Belief in Allah
A Muslim believes that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of everything.
He alone deserves worship.
Allah says:
“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”
(Surah Ash-Shura 42:11)
Belief in Allah includes belief in His names and attributes as mentioned in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
2. Belief in the Angels
Angels are honoured servants of Allah created from light.
They obey Allah completely and carry out various tasks.
Among them is Jibril عليه السلام, who delivered revelation to the Prophets.
Allah says:
“They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”
(Surah At-Tahrim 66:6)
3. Belief in the Revealed Books
Allah sent scriptures to guide humanity.
These include:
The Tawrah given to Musa عليه السلام
The Injil given to ‘Isa عليه السلام
The Zabur given to Dawud عليه السلام
The Qur’an given to Muhammad ﷺ
The Qur’an is the final and preserved revelation.
Allah says:
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will preserve it.”
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:9)
4. Belief in the Messengers
Allah sent Prophets and Messengers to guide mankind.
They all called people to worship Allah alone.
The final Messenger is Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Allah says:
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:40)
5. Belief in the Last Day
Muslims believe in resurrection, judgement, Paradise, and Hellfire.
Every person will stand before Allah and answer for their deeds.
Allah says:
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”
(Surah Az-Zalzalah 99:7–8)
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr)
A Muslim believes that Allah knows, records, wills, and creates everything.
Nothing occurs outside His knowledge and wisdom.
At the same time, human beings are responsible for their choices and actions.
Belief in Qadr brings patience during hardship and gratitude during ease.
Explanation of Ihsan
The Meaning of Ihsan
Jibril then asked about Ihsan, and the Prophet ﷺ replied:
“It is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then indeed He sees you.”
Ihsan means excellence and perfection in worship.
It is the highest level of the religion.
A person who practises Ihsan worships Allah with sincerity, humility, love, fear, and hope.
Worshipping Allah with Awareness
The believer should always remember that Allah sees every action, hears every word, and knows every thought.
Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah is ever Watchful over you.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:1)
This awareness encourages sincerity and prevents hypocrisy.
Ihsan in Daily Life
Ihsan is not limited to prayer or fasting. It includes excellence in all actions:
Being truthful
Treating parents kindly
Fulfilling trusts
Showing mercy to others
Being honest in business
Having good character
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah has prescribed excellence in all things.”
(Authentic Hadith)
The Hour and Its Signs
Knowledge of the Unseen Belongs to Allah
When Jibril asked about the Hour, the Prophet ﷺ replied:
“The one being asked knows no more about it than the one asking.”
This teaches that knowledge of the exact time of the Day of Judgement belongs only to Allah.
Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah alone has knowledge of the Hour.”
(Surah Luqman 31:34)
Even the greatest angels and Prophets do not know when the Hour will occur unless Allah informs them.
Signs Mentioned in the Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned two signs:
1. “The slave woman will give birth to her mistress”
Scholars explained this in different authentic ways, including:
Widespread disobedience of children towards parents
Major social changes and confusion in relationships
2. Barefoot shepherds competing in tall buildings
This refers to dramatic worldly change and rivalry in luxury and construction among people who were once poor and simple.
Today, Muslims can observe how rapidly societies compete in wealth, status, and extravagant buildings.
These signs remind believers that the Day of Judgement is approaching and that worldly life is temporary.
Main Lessons and Benefits of the Hadith
1. Islam Is Built Upon Knowledge
Jibril came to teach the companions through questions and ans…
