I also saw Jesus: a fair-skinned youth with curly hair, sharp eyesight, and a well-proportioned build 1. I saw Moses, exceedingly dark-complexioned, with abundant hair; another narration says he had handsome hair and a strong physique. I looked at Abraham, and every limb I observed in him resembled mine—it was as though he were your very companion. Then Gabriel, peace be upon him, said, “Greet Mālik,” so I greeted him.

It was recorded by Aḥmad (1/374); the extra wording occurs in another of his transmissions. Al-Suyūṭī (1/398) likewise attributed it to Abū Yaʿlā, Abū Nuʿaym, and Ibn Mardawayh. Ibn Kathīr said, “Al-Nasāʾī also related it, through Abū Zayd Thābit ibn Yazīd from Hilāl—i.e., Ibn Khabbāb—with this chain, and its isnād is ṣaḥīḥ.” That is what he asserted, yet the report is only ḥasan, for there is some discussion concerning Ibn Khabbāb. Al-Haythamī (1/67) said: “Aḥmad narrated it, and its transmitters are trustworthy, except that Hilāl ibn Khabbāb—Yahyā…"