Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah — may Allah bless him and grant him peace — said:

“I was brought the Buraq, a white animal, tall, larger than a donkey yet smaller than a mule; with each stride it set its hoof at the farthest point it could see. I mounted it until I reached the Holy House. There I tied it to the ring by which the prophets tether their mounts. Then I entered the mosque and prayed two units, after which I came out. Gabriel then brought me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk, and I chose the milk. Gabriel, upon him be peace, said, ‘You have chosen the natural disposition.’

“He then ascended with me to the heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was said, ‘Who are you?’ He replied, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘And who is with you?’ He said, ‘Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ He replied, ‘He has indeed been sent for.’ The gate was opened for us, and there I was before Adam. He welcomed me and supplicated goodness for me.

“Then we ascended to the second heaven. Gabriel sought entry, and it was asked, ‘Who are you?’ He answered, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘And who is with you?’ He said, ‘Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.’ They asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ He replied, ‘He has indeed been sent for.’ The gate was opened for us, and there I saw the two maternal cousins, Jesus and John son of Zechariah, peace be upon them both. They welcomed me and prayed for my good.

“After that he ascended with me to the third heaven. Gabriel asked for entry, and it was said, ‘Who are you?’ He answered, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘And who is with you?’ He said, ‘Muhammad, may Allah bless him …’