until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer.

Among the revelations Allah entrusted to him was the obligation of fifty prayers upon your nation each day and night.

He then descended until he reached Moses. Moses held him back and asked, “O Muhammad, what charge has your Lord laid upon you?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, replied, “He has enjoined fifty prayers every day and night.” Moses said, “Your community will not be able to bear that. Go back and ask your Lord to lighten the burden for you and for them.”

The Prophet turned to Gabriel, as though seeking his counsel, and Gabriel indicated, “Yes, if you wish.” So he was taken up to the Almighty and said, while standing in the same place, “My Lord, reduce it for us, for my community cannot endure this.” Ten prayers were removed.

He returned to Moses, and Moses detained him once more, sending him back repeatedly until the obligation was reduced to five prayers.

Moses then held him at the five and said, “O Muhammad, by Allah, I urged the Children of Israel—my own people—to do something far less than this, yet they proved too weak and abandoned it. Your community is weaker in body, heart, sight, and hearing. Go back and request another reduction from your Lord.”

Throughout all of this, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would look to Gabriel for guidance, and Gabriel never disapproved.