380 — Abū Muhammad Yahyā ibn Muhammad ibn Sāʿid narrated to us, saying: ⦗799⦘ Yūsuf ibn Saʿīd al-Missīsī narrated to us, saying: Khālid ibn Yazīd al-Qasrī al-Bajalī narrated to us, saying: Ismāʿīl ibn Abī Khālid narrated to us, from Qays ibn Abī Hāzim, from Jarīr ibn Abd Allāh, who said:

Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the form of a young man and said, “O Muhammad, what is faith?”

He replied, “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, the Last Day, and the divine decree, both its good and its evil.”

He said, “You have spoken the truth.”

The people were amazed that he affirmed that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had spoken the truth. He then said, “Tell me, what is Islam?”

He replied, “It is to establish the prayer, pay the zakat, make pilgrimage to the House, and fast Ramadan.”

He said, “You have spoken the truth. Now tell me about spiritual excellence.”

He replied, “Spiritual excellence is to worship Allah as though you see Him; for though you do not see Him, He sees you.” ⦗800⦘

He said, “You have spoken the truth.” He then recounted the hadith as far as the words: “This was Gabriel. He came to teach you the matters of your religion.”