‘I do not know, my Lord.’ Then He placed His palm between my shoulders, and I felt its coolness between my breasts. Then I knew what was in heaven and on earth.”

He then recited:

“Thus did We show Abraham the dominion of the heavens and the earth, so that he might be among those who have certainty.” (75) [al-An‘ām 75]

He continued: “Then He said, ‘What is the Highest Assembly disputing about, O Muhammad?’ I replied, ‘About expiations, my Lord.’ I said, ‘And what are they?’ I said, ‘Walking to congregational prayers and performing ablution thoroughly despite hardship.’ He said to me, ‘Whoever does that will live well, die well, and be as free of sin as on the day his mother bore him. Among the deeds that raise one’s rank are gracious speech and standing in prayer at night while people sleep.’ He also said, ‘Say: “O Allah, I ask You for good things, avoidance of evil deeds, and love for the poor, and that You accept my repentance, forgive me, and have mercy on me. If You intend a trial for a people, take me unto Yourself without my being subjected to it.”’”

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “Learn these words, for by Him in whose hand is my soul, they are indeed true.”