Humayd’s narration as reported by al-Bukhari has already been cited, with an important addition at its end concerning the Companions placing shoulder to shoulder and foot to foot, in response to the Messenger’s—peace and blessings be upon him—command to stand close together. See no. 31.*

3956—“I was brought al-Buraq, a long white beast, larger than a donkey and smaller than a mule, whose hoof would reach as far as its gaze. I mounted it until I came to Jerusalem. I tethered it to the ring to which the prophets tethered their mounts. Then I entered the mosque and prayed two units of prayer there. Then I came out, and Gabriel, peace be upon him, brought me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. I chose the milk, and Gabriel, peace be upon him, said: ‘You have chosen the innate disposition.’

“Then we ascended to the heaven, and Gabriel requested that it be opened. He was asked, ‘Who are you?’ He replied, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has he been sent?’ He replied, ‘He has indeed been sent.’ So it was opened for us, and there I found Adam. He welcomed me and supplicated for goodness for me.

“Then we ascended to the second heaven, and Gabriel, peace be upon him, requested that it be opened. He was asked, ‘Who are you?’ He replied, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘Who is with you?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad.’ They asked, ‘Has he