He replied, “You have spoken the truth.” We were astonished that he would confirm the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—despite the general ignorance of desert dwellers. Then he asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what are the legal rites of Islam?” He answered, “Establishing the prayer (salah), giving the prescribed alms (zakah), fasting in Ramadan, performing pilgrimage to the House (hajj) for whoever is able to find a way to it, and washing after major ritual impurity (janabah).

He again said, “You have spoken the truth,” and we were amazed at his remark—affirming the truthfulness of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him—as though he were the one instructing him.

Then he asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is ihsan (spiritual excellence)?”