—describing them—and I saw Abraham, and among all his descendants I resemble him the most.”

Marwan ibn Muʿawiyah al-Fazari narrated from Qinan al-Nahmi, who said: Abu Zubyan al-Janabi told us: “We were sitting with Abu ʿUbaydah ibn ʿAbd Allah and Muhammad ibn Saʿd ibn Abi Waqqas. Muhammad said to Abu ʿUbaydah, ‘Tell us what your father related about the night the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was taken on the Night Journey.’ Abu ʿUbaydah replied, ‘No—rather, you tell us what your father related.’ He answered, ‘Had you asked me before I asked you, I would have done so.’

“Abu ʿUbaydah then began to recount: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘Gabriel came to me with a mount larger than a donkey yet smaller than a mule. He seated me upon it, and we sped away. Whenever it climbed a slope, its hind legs rose level with its forelegs; when it descended, its forelegs came level with its hind legs.

“‘We passed by a tall, straight-haired man, brown-skinned, as though he were one of the men of Azd Shanūʾah. He was raising his voice, saying, “I have honoured him and preferred him.” We approached and greeted him; he returned the greeting and asked, “Who is with you, Gabriel?” He replied, “This is Ahmad.” He said, “Welcome to the unlettered Prophet who delivered his Lord’s message and gave sincere counsel to his community.”

“‘We moved on, and I asked, “Who was that, Gabriel?” He said, “Moses.” I asked, “And whom is he reproaching?” He said, “He is reproaching his Lord on your account.” I said, “And he raises his voice before his Lord!” He answered, “Allah is well aware of his fiery nature.”

“‘We continued until we came to a tree whose fruit looked like lanterns; beneath it sat an elderly man with members of his household. Gabriel said, “Go to your father Abraham.” We greeted him and he returned the greeting, then asked, “Who is with you, Gabriel?” He said, “Your son, Ahmad.” He said, “Welcome to the unlettered Prophet who delivered his Lord’s message and gave sincere counsel to his community. My son, tonight you will meet your Lord; if you can make your plea—or most of it—on behalf of your community, then do so.”

“‘We travelled on until we reached al-Masjid al-Aqsa. I dismounted and tied the mount to the ring at the mosque gate where the prophets used to tether their mounts. I entered the mosque and recognised the prophets—some standing, others bowing, others prostrating. Two cups were brought to me, one of honey and one of milk. I took the milk and drank it. Gabriel tapped my shoulder and said, “You have chosen the natural disposition, by the Lord of Muhammad.” Then…’