Unays ibn Sawwār al-Jarmī narrated to us, from Ayyūb al-Sakhtiyānī, from Abū Qilāba, from Khālid ibn al-Lajlāj, who reported that ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Ā’ish told him that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came to his Companions one morning in good spirits. They could see the joy on his face. He said to them:

‘My Lord, Mighty and Majestic, came to me last night in the most beautiful form. He said, “O Muhammad!” I replied, “At Your service, my Lord, and ever ready to obey You.” He asked, “Do you know what the highest assembly is disputing about?” I replied, “Yes, my Lord: expiations. The expiations are going on foot to the Friday prayers, remaining seated in the mosques after the prayers, and washing all the required parts in ablution despite hardship.” He said, “You have spoken truly, O Muhammad. Whoever does that will lead a good life, meet a good death, and be as free of sin as on the day his mother bore him. When you pray, O Muhammad, say: ‘O Allah, I ask You to enable me to do good deeds, abandon evil deeds, and love the poor, and to turn to me in forgiveness. If You intend a trial for Your servants, take me in death without my being put to trial.’ The deeds that raise one in rank are fasting, good speech, and prayer at night while people sleep.”’”

His being named ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Ā’ish in this narration is therefore evidence of