Angels were created from light before Jinns and human beings. Allah swt has told in Holy Quran that angels have wings. This has been mentioned in the following verse:
They are having wings. Some have two, some have three and some others have four .Allah swt may increase His creation as He desires (Fatir:1)
Rasool salal laho aleihi wasalam told about Angel Gabriel that he had 600 wings as mentioned in the following hadith:
Al-Shaibini reported to us: I asked Zirr b. Hubaish about the words of Allah (the Mighty and Great):" So he was (at a distance) of two bows or nearer" (al-Qur'an, Iiii 8). He said: Ibn Mas'ud informed me that, verily, the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) saw Gabriel and he had six hundred wings. (Muslim : Book 1 ,Hadith 330) .
Angels are very large in number and Allah swt has said in the Holy Quran:
No one knows the number of the army of your Lord except Him(Al Muddassir:31)
Allah alone knows their numbers ,duties and activities.
Among these angels four are having high grades .They have been mentioned in Quran and Hadiths of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam. Their names are as follows:
1.Gabriel
2.Michael
3.Israfeel
4.Malakul Mot/Angel of death.
Some other important angels are Kiraman katibeen who are appointed to write our good and bad deeds, Malakul jibal is appointed on mountains, Moaqqibat are the angels appointed to save human beings from invisible attacks, Munkar- Nakeer are appointed in graves to complete the process of accountability, Malik is the angel appointed on Hell fire ,Rizwan is the angel appointed on paradise and Hamileen al arsh are the angels who are holding throne of Almighty Allah swt.
Gabriel is the leader of Angels:
Gabriel is leader of angels and has also been mentioned as Holy and trustworthy spirit in Holy Quran and his basic duty was to bring revelation of Allah swt on His prophets and messengers but he also did many extra ordinary duties due to command and inspiration of Allah swt.
Gabriel came to Mary with the command of Allah swt:
When Jesus aliehis salam was born to Holy Mary angel Gabriel came upto her as mentioned in the following verse of Holy Quran:
We sent our spirit in the human form to her(Maryam:17)
His dialogue with Holy Mary has been narrated in Holy Quran in the following manner:
Angel Gabriel said:
I am messenger of your Lord to bless you with a pure boy(Maryam:19)
Mary said:
No human being has touched me and I am not a fornicator (Maryam:20)
Angel Gabriel told Mary that it was a blessing and mercy of Allah swt and this birth was a decided miracle of Allah swt in which there was a great sign for mankind from Allah swt . Nothing is difficult for Allah swt whenever He decides to do something He just says Let it be and it is done immediately.
When Hajar needed water for Ishmaeel Gabriel hit the earth with his heel and Zam Zam Gushed out:
When prophet Abraham aliehis salam left his wife Hajar in Makkah with his small son Ishmaeel and no one was there to help Hajar and Ishmaeel Allah swt sent Gabriel who hit the earth and Zam Zam spring gushed out .This incidence has been narrated in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
When Abraham had differences with his wife), (because of her jealousy of Hajar, Ishmael's mother), he took Ishmael and his mother and went away. They had a water-skin with them containing some water, Ishmael's mother used to drink water from the water-skin so that her milk would increase for her child. When Abraham reached Mecca, he made her sit under a tree and afterwards returned home. Ishmael's mother followed him, and when they reached Kada', she called him from behind, 'O Abraham! To whom are you leaving us?' He replied, '(I am leaving you) to Allah's (Care).' She said, 'I am satisfied to be with Allah.' She returned to her place and started drinking water from the water-skin, and her milk increased for her child. When the water had all been used up, she said to herself, 'I'd better go and look so that I may see somebody.' She ascended the Safa mountain and looked, hoping to see somebody, but in vain. When she came down to the valley, she ran till she reached the Marwa mountain. She ran to and fro (between the two mountains) many times. They she said to herself, 'i'd better go and see the state of the child,' she went and found it in a state of one on the point of dying. She could not endure to watch it dying and said (to herself), 'If I go and look, I may find somebody.' She went and ascended the Safa mountain and looked for a long while but could not find anybody. Thus she completed seven rounds (of running) between Safa and Marwa. Again she said (to herself), 'I'd better go back and see the state of the child.' But suddenly she heard a voice, and she said to that strange voice, 'Help us if you can offer any help.' Lo! It was Gabriel (who had made the voice). Gabriel hit the earth with his heel like this (Ibn 'Abbas hit the earth with his heel to Illustrate it), and so the water gushed out. Ishmael's mother was astonished and started digging. (Abu Al-Qasim) (i.e. the Prophet) said, "If she had left the water, (flow naturally without her intervention), it would have been flowing on the surface of the earth.") Ishmael's mother started drinking from the water and her milk increased for her child . Afterwards some people of the tribe of Jurhum, while passing through the bottom of the valley, saw some birds, and that astonished them, and they said, 'Birds can only be found at a place where there is water.' They sent a messenger who searched the place and found the water, and returned to inform them about it. Then they all went to her and said, 'O ishmael's mother! Will you allow us to be with you (or dwell with you)?' (And thus they stayed there( Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 , Volume 55 , Hadith 584)
Gabriel met Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam when he was a child:
It has been narrated that Gabriel came to Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam when he was a child and was playing with his playmates and cut his chest and pulled out his heart and washed it with Zam Zam.The hadith telling this fact is as follows:
Anas b. Malik reported that Gabriel came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upo him) while he was playing with his playmates. He took hold of him and lay him prostrate on the ground and tore open his breast and took out the heart from it and then extracted a blood-clot out of it and said: That was the part of Satan in thee. And then he washed it with the water of Zamzam in a golden basin and then it was joined together and restored to it place. The boys came running to his mother, i. e. his nurse, and said: Verily Muhammad has been murdered. They all rushed toward him (and found him all right) His color was changed, Anas said. I myself saw the marks of needle on his breast. (Muslim : Book 1 ,Hadith 311)
Gabriel brought first revelation on Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam in cave of Hira:
Gabriel aliehi salam brought first revelation of Allah swt on prophet Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam in cave of Hira where he was busy in meditation and was thinking about the reality of this universe and its link with its creator.This encounter of prophet Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam with angel Gabriel has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha:
(the mother of the faithful believers) The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Apostle was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food like-wise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read.
The Prophet added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones."
Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Apostle described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while.
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari while talking about the period of pause in revelation reporting the speech of the Prophet "While I was walking, all of a sudden I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up and saw the same angel who had visited me at the cave of Hira' sitting on a chair between the sky and the earth. I got afraid of him and came back home and said, 'Wrap me (in blankets).' And then Allah revealed the following Holy Verses (of Quran):
'O you (i.e. Muhammad)! wrapped up in garments!' Arise and warn (the people against Allah's Punishment),... up to 'and desert the idols.' (74.1-5) After this the revelation started coming strongly, frequently and regularly." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 1 ,Volume 1 , Hadith 3 )
Resentment of Jews against angel Gabriel:
Angel Gabriel also brought revelation to prophet Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam and Jews accused angel Gabriel for dishonesty. They were actually expecting the last prophet to be an offspring of Isaac aliehi salam but when he came from the family of Ishmaeel aliehis salam they became jealous and started opposing him and also expressed the feeling of resentment against angel Gabriel.
Allah swt took notice of their resentment and said:
Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur'ân) down to your heart by Allâh's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers. (Al-Baqarah 2:97)
On another instance Allah swt said :
Allâh knows best with whom to place His Message. (Al-An'am 6:124)
This jealousy of Jews against angels was actually a revolt against the decisions of Allah swt so Allah swt revealed a clear cut verse against this invalid enmity and resentment of Jews
Allah swt said:
"Whoever is an enemy to Allâh, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibrael (Gabriel) and Mikael (Michael), then verily, Allâh is an enemy to the disbelievers." (Al-Baqarah 2:98)
Prophet salal laho aliehi waslam was sitting with Gabriel when gate of heavens opened through which Surah Fatihah and two verses of Surah Baqarah was revealed:
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was sitting with Gabriel when gate of heavens opened from where Surah Fatihah and last two verses of Surah Baqarah was revealed .This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Ibn 'Abbas reported that while Gabriel was sitting with the Apostle (may peace be upon him) he heard a creaking sound above him. He lifted his head and said: This As a gate opened in heaven today which had never been opened before. Then when an angel descended through it, he said: This is an angel who came down to the earth who had-never come down before. He greeted and said: Rejoice in two lights given to you which have not been given to any prophet before you: Falihat al-Kitab and the concluding verses of Suarah al-Baqara. You will never recite a letter from them for which you will not be given (a reward). (Muslim : Book 4 ,Hadith 1760)
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam told about dialogue of Allah swt with Gabriel about paradise and Hell:
When Allah made paradise and hell fire He had a dialogue with Gabriel which clarifies that how difficult is the entrance to paradise and how easy is the entrance to hell .This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated AbuHurairah radi Allahu anhu:
The Apostle of Allah salal laho aliehi waslam said: When Allah created Paradise, He said to Gabriel: Go and look at it. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, no one who hears of it will fail to enter it.
He then surrounded it with disagreeable things, and said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, I am afraid that no one will enter it.
When Allah created Hell, He said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, no one who hears of it will enter it.
He then surrounded it with desirable things and said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went, looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might and power, I am afraid that no one will remain who does not enter it. (Abu Dawud : Book 40 ,Hadith 4726)
Prophet salal laho aleihi wasalam told that Gabriel hates pictures and dogs:
Angel Gabriel does not enter the houses where there are pictures and dogs as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Salim's father:
Once Gabriel promised to visit the Prophet but he delayed and the Prophet got worried about that. At last he came out and found Gabriel and complained to him of his grief (for his delay). Gabriel said to him, "We do not enter a place in which there is a picture or a dog." (Bukhari :Book 7 , Volume 72 ,Hadith 843)
This hadith has also been narrated in by Imam Muslim rahimahullah as follows:
A'isha reported that Gabriel (peace be upon him) made a promise with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) to come at a definite hour; that hour came but he did not visit him. And there was in his hand (in the hand of Allah's Apostle) a staff. He threw it from his hand and said: Never has Allah or His messengers (angels) ever broken their promise. Then he cast a glance (and by chance) found a puppy under his cot and said: 'A'isha, when did this dog enter here? She said: BY Allah, I don't know He then commanded and it was turned out. Then Gabriel came and Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said to him: You promised me and I waited for you. but you did not come, whereupon he said: It was the dog in your house which prevented me (to come), for we (angels) do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture. (Muslim : Book 24 ,Hadith 5246)
Angel Gabriel accompanied prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam in journey of Meraj:
When Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam was beaten and ridiculed by people of Makkah Allah swt took him from Masjid il Haram to Masjid al Aqsa in Jerusalem and than raised him to seven heavens where he met the previous prophets and also saw baitul Mamoor and other signs of Allah swt.This journey is also known as Meraj.In this Holy Journey angel Gabriel was accompanying prophet Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah's Apostle described to them his Night Journey saying, "While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came to me and cut my body open from here to here." I asked Al-Jarud who was by my side, "What does he mean?" He said, "It means from his throat to his pubic area," or said, "From the top of the chest." The Prophet further said, "He then took out my heart. Then a gold tray of Belief was brought to me and my heart was washed and was filled (with Belief) and then returned to its original place. Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me." (On this Al-Jarud asked, "Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?" I (i.e. Anas) replied in the affirmative). The Prophet said, "The animal's step (was so wide that it) reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal's sight. I was carried on it, and Gabriel set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven.
When he asked for the gate to be opened, it was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has Muhammad been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the first heaven, I saw Adam there. Gabriel said (to me). 'This is your father, Adam; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me till we reached the second heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel answered in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened.
When I went over the second heaven, there I saw Yahya (i.e. John) and 'Isa (i.e. Jesus) who were cousins of each other. Gabriel said (to me), 'These are John and Jesus; pay them your greetings.' So I greeted them and both of them returned my greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the third heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the third heaven there I saw Joseph. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Joseph; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excel lent visit his is!'
The gate was opened, and when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Idris; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked. 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is! So when I went over the fifth heaven, there I saw Harun (i.e. Aaron), Gabriel said, (to me). This is Aaron; pay him your greetings.' I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the sixth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked. 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. It was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'
When I went (over the sixth heaven), there I saw Moses. Gabriel said (to me),' This is Moses; pay him your greeting. So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' When I left him (i.e. Moses) he wept. Someone asked him, 'What makes you weep?' Moses said, 'I weep because after me there has been sent (as Prophet) a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'
So when I went (over the seventh heaven), there I saw Abraham. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is your father; pay your greetings to him.' So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, 'This is the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) . Behold ! There ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible, I asked, 'What are these two kinds of rivers, O Gabriel?' He replied,' As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.'
Then Al-Bait-ul-Ma'mur (i.e. the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Gabriel remarked, 'This is the Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.' Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Moses who asked (me), 'What have you been ordered to do?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day.' Moses said, 'Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden.' So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day.
When I came back to Moses, he said, 'What have you been ordered?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day.' He said, 'Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden.' I said, 'I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order.' When I left, I heard a voice saying, 'I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshipers."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 , Volume 58 , Hadith 227)
On another instance it has been clarified that it was angel Gabriel who cut the chest of prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and washed his heart with Zam Zam as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas bin Malik radi Allahu anhu:
The night Allah's Apostle was taken for a journey from the sacred mosque (of Mecca) Al-Ka'ba: Three persons came to him (in a dreamy while he was sleeping in the Sacred Mosque before the Divine Inspiration was revealed to Him. One of them said, "Which of them is he?" The middle (second) angel said, "He is the best of them." The last (third) angle said, "Take the best of them." Only that much happened on that night and he did not see them till they came on another night, i.e. after The Divine Inspiration was revealed to him. (Fateh-Al-Bari Page 258, Vol. 17) and he saw them, his eyes were asleep but his heart was not----and so is the case with the prophets: their eyes sleep while their hearts do not sleep. So those angels did not talk to him till they carried him and placed him beside the well of Zam-Zam. From among them Gabriel took charge of him. Gabriel cut open (the part of his body) between his throat and the middle of his chest (heart) and took all the material out of his chest and abdomen and then washed it with Zam-Zam water with his own hands till he cleansed the inside of his body, and then a gold tray containing a gold bowl full of belief and wisdom was brought and then Gabriel stuffed his chest and throat blood vessels with it and then closed it (the chest). He then ascended with him to the heaven of the world and knocked on one of its doors. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 9 , Volume 93 ,Hadith 608)
In another hadith it has been narrated that milk and wine were presented to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam chose milk .Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was appreciated by Gabriel on this decision.The exact narration is as follows:
Allah's Apostle said, "On the night of my Ascension to Heaven, I saw (the prophet) Moses who was a thin person with lank hair, looking like one of the men of the tribe of Shanua; and I saw Jesus who was of average height with red face as if he had just come out of a bathroom. And I resemble prophet Abraham more than any of his offspring does. Then I was given two cups, one containing milk and the other wine. Gabriel said, 'Drink whichever you like.' I took the milk and drank it. Gabriel said, 'You have accepted what is natural, (True Religion i.e. Islam) and if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray.' "(Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 , Volume 55 , Hadith 607)
Another hadith tells that prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam also saw Kauthar stream on the night of meraj.This has been narrated as follows:
Narrated Anas:
When the Prophet was made to ascend to the Heavens, he said (after his return), "I came upon a river the banks of which were made of tents of hollow pearls. I asked Gabriel. What is this (river?' He replied, 'This is the Kauthar.'Sahih Bukhari : Book 6 , Volume 60 , Hadith 488)
Gabriel approached prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam when he was injured and mocked by polytheists in Taif:
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam faced many hardships in way of Allah swt .One of the hardest day was the day of Taif when people of were hitting Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam angel Gabriel approached prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with message of destruction from Allah swt.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha:
That she asked the Prophet , 'Have you encountered a day harder than the day of the battle) of Uhud?" The Prophet replied, "Your tribes have troubled me a lot, and the worse trouble was the trouble on the day of 'Aqaba when I presented myself to Ibn 'Abd-Yalail bin 'Abd-Kulal and he did not respond to my demand. So I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and proceeded on, and could not relax till I found myself at Qarnath-Tha-alib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Gabriel in it. He called me saying, 'Allah has heard your people's saying to you, and what they have replied back to you, Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.' The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, "O Muhammad! Order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akh-Shabain (i.e. two mountains) fall on them." The Prophet said, "No but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah Alone, and will worship None besides Him." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 ,Volume 54 ,Hadith 454)
Gabriel came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with total procedure and timings of 5 salahs:
Gabriel aliehis salam came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with total procedure and timings of five salah as mentioned in the following hadith:
Ibn Shibab reported: 'Umar b. 'Abd al-'Aziz deferred the afternoon prayer somewhat and 'Urwa said to him: Gabriel came down and he led the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in prayer. 'Umar said to him: O 'Urwa, are you aware of what you are saying? Upon this he ('Urwa) said: I heard Bashir b. Abu Mas'ud say that he heard Abu Mas'ud say that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) say: Gabriel came down and acted as my Imam, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him. then I prayed with him. then I prayed with him. reckoning with his fingers five times of prayer. (Muslim : Book 4 , Hadith 1268)
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was ready to offer salah with his sandals angel Gabriel came to him and asked him to put off his sandals because there was a filth on his sandals.Prophet salal laho alieihi wasalam commanded his companions to check their sandals before offering salah The hadith telling this fact is as follows:
Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri:
While the Apostle of Allah PBUH was leading his Companions in prayer, he took off his sandals and laid them on his left side; so when the people saw this, they removed their sandals. When the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) finished his prayer, he asked: What made you remove your sandals? The replied: We saw you remove your sandals, so we removed our sandals.
The Apostle of Allah PBUH then said: Gabriel came to me and informed me that there was filth in them. When any of you comes to the mosque, he should see; if he finds filth on his sandals, he should wipe it off and pray in them. (Abu Dawud : Book 2 , Hadith 650)
Angel Gabriel used to meet Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam daily in Ramadan:
Angel Gabriel used to meet Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam daily in Ramadan and used to recite Quran with him and prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was most generous during Ramadan as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas radi Allahu anhu:
The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur'an to Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare). (Sahih Bukhari : Book 3 ,Volume 31 , Hadith 126)
Gabriel aliehis salam told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about the Night of decree:
Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam was keen to find the night of decree and was searching it thoroughly when angel Gabriel told him that it was in the last decade of Ramadan as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Salama:
Once I went to Abu- Sa'id Al-Khudri and asked him, "Won't you come with us to the date-palm trees to have a talk?" So Abu Said went out and I asked him, "Tell me what you heard from the Prophet about the Night of Qadr." Abu Said replied, "Once Allah's Apostle performed I'tikaf (seclusion) on the first ten days of the month of Ramadan and we did the same with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night you are looking for is ahead of you.' So the Prophet performed the I'tikaf in the middle (second) ten days of the month of Ramadan and we too performed I'tikaf with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night which you are looking for is ahead of you.' In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan the Prophet delivered a sermon saying, 'Whoever has performed I'tikaf with me should continue it. I have been shown the Night of "Qadr", but have forgotten its date, but it is in the odd nights of the last ten nights. I saw in my dream that I was prostrating in mud and water.' In those days the roof of the mosque was made of branches of date-palm trees. At that time the sky was clear and no cloud was visible, but suddenly a cloud came and it rained. The Prophet led us in the prayer and I saw the traces of mud on the forehead and on the nose of Allah's Apostle. So it was the confirmation of that dream." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 1 , Volume 12 , Hadith 777)
Gabriel used to come to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam only with command of Allah swt:
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam loved the company of Gabriel aliehis salam and wanted to see him more frequently but he told Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam that he could only see him with with command and permission of Allah swt as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet said, "O Gabriel, what prevents you. from visiting us more often than you do?" Then this Verse was revealed:--'And we angels descend not but by Command of your Lord. To Him belongs what is before us and what is behind us..' (19.64) So this was the answer to Muhammad.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 9 , Volume 93 , Hadith 547)
Angel Gabriel in battle of Badar:
Battle of Badar was the first battle between Polytheists and Muslims.Shaitan was also participating in this battle in human form and was acting as a kafir leader named Suraqa and was motivating kuffars.He assured Kuffars of victory .The activities and sayings of Shaitan have been quoted by Allah swt in the following way:
And (remember) when Shaitân (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said, "No one of mankind can overcome you this Day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbour (for each and every help)." (Al-Anfal 8:48)
Allah swt favoured Muslims in this battle in a way that Allah swt sent Gabriel with thousands of angels . When shaitan saw angel Gabriel he left the battle field .Allah swt has narrated this scene in the following way:
But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said "Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily! I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allâh for Allâh is Severe in punishment." (Al-Anfal 8:48)
A hadith telling about the participation of Gabriel aliehis salam in battle of Badar is as follows:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet said on the day (of the battle) of Badr, "This is Gabriel holding the head of his horse and equipped with arms for the battle.( Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 , Volume 59 , Hadith 330)
Once angel Gabriel had dialogue with prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about grades of his companions.This dialogue glorifies the companions who participated in badar.This dialogue has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Rifaa radi Allahu anhu:
(who was one of the Badr warriors) Gabriel came to the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and said, "How do you look upon the warriors of Badr among yourselves?" The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "As the best of the Muslims." or said a similar statement. On that, Gabriel said, "And so are the Angels who participated in the Badr (battle)."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 ,Volume 59 , Hadith 327)
Gabriel and Michael participated in battle of Uhud:
It has also been narrated in authentic hadith that Gabriel and Michael participated in battle of Uhud.This has been narrated as follows:
Sa'd reported that on the Day of Uhud I saw on the right side of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and on his left side two persons dressed in white clothes and whom I did not see before nor after that, and they were Gabriel and Michael (Allah be pleased with both of them).( Muslim : Book 30 , Hadith 5713)
Gabriel also participated in Ahzab and war against Bani Quraizah:
It has also been narrated that Gabriel participated in Ahzab and against Bani Quraizah .The incidence has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha radi Allahu anha:
Sad radi Allahu anhu was wounded on the day of Khandaq (i.e. Trench) when a man from Quraish, called Hibban bin Al-'Araqa hit him (with an arrow). The man was Hibban bin Qais from (the tribe of) Bani Mais bin 'Amir bin Lu'ai who shot an arrow at Sad's medial arm vein (or main artery of the arm). The Prophet pitched a tent (for Sad) in the Mosque so that he might be near to the Prophet to visit. When the Prophet returned from the (battle) of Al-Khandaq (i.e. Trench) and laid down his arms and took a bath Gabriel came to him while he (i.e. Gabriel) was shaking the dust off his head, and said, "You have laid down the arms?" By Allah, I have not laid them down. Go out to them (to attack them)." The Prophet said, "Where?" Gabriel pointed towards Bani Quraizah. So Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam went to them (i.e. Banu Quraizah) (i.e. besieged them). (Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 ,Volume 59 , Hadith 448)
There is another hadith narrated by Anas radi Allahu about participation of Gabriel in Banu Quraidah.The hadith is as follows:
Narrated Anas:
As if I am just now looking at the dust rising in the street of Banu Ghanm (in Medina) because of the marching of Gabriel's regiment when Allah's Apostle set out to Banu Quraiza (to attack them).( Bukhari : Book 5 ,Volume 59 , Hadith 444)
Gabriel told Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam that all the sins of the martyrs in the way of Allah swt will be forgiven except debt:
Once Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam was telling his companions that all the sins of the martyr in the way of Allah swt will be forgiven.Gabriel came and told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam that all the sins except debt will be forgiven.The hadith telling this fact is as follows:
It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Qatada that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) stood up among them (his Companions) to deliver his sermon in which he told them that Jihad in the way of Allah and belief in Allah (with all His Attributes) are the most meritorious of acts. A man stood up and said: Messenger of Allah, do you think that if I am killed in the way of Allah, my sins will be blotted out from me? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Yes, in case you are killed in the way of Allah and you were patient and sincere and you always fought facing the enemy, never turming your back upon him. Then he added: What have you said (now)? (Wishing to have further assurance from him for his satisfaction), he asked (again): Do you think if I am killed in the way of Allah, all my sins will be obliterated from me? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Yes, it you were patient and sincere and always fought facing the enemy and never turning your back upon him, (all your lapses would be forgiven) except debt. Gabriel has told me this. (Muslim : Book 20 , Hadith 4646)
Gabriel also did dua for Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam when he was ill:
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam became ill .Angel Gabriel did dua for his cure as mentioned in the following hadith:
Abu Sa'id reported that Gabriel came to AJlah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: Muhammad, have you fallen ill? Thereupon he said: Yes. He (Gabriel) said:" In the name of Allah I exercise you from everything and safeguard you from every evil that may harm you and from the eye of a jealous one. Allah would cure you and I invoke the name of Allah for you." (Muslim :Book 26 , Hadith 5425)
Gabriel sent greetings of Allah swt on Ummul momineen Khadija radi Allahu anha:
Once Gabriel aliehi salam conveyed greetings of Allah swt on Ummul momineen Khadija radi Allahu anha as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anha:
The Prophet said that Gabriel said, "Here is Khadija coming to you with a dish of food or a tumbler containing something to drink. Convey to her a greeting from her Lord (Allah) and give her the glad tidings that she will have a palace in Paradise built of Qasab wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue (trouble)."( Bukhari : Book 9 , Volume 93 , Hadith 588)
Gabriel sent greetings on Ummul Momineen Ayesha radi Allahu anhu:
It is one of the merits of beloved wife of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam that angel Gabriel sent salam on her as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha radi Allahu anha:
Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "O 'Aisha! This is Gabriel sending his greetings to you." I said, "Peace, and Allah's Mercy be on him (Gabriel). You see what we do not see." (She was addressing Allah's Apostle). (Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 , Volume 74 , Hadith 266)
Gabriel used to inform prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about answers of the queries of the people of scriptures:
Sometimes knowledgeable people of scriptures came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and asked him questions to test him .Allah swt used to sent Gabriel with the answers of these questions and when prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam used to give appropriate answers people of scriptures were amazed on right answers. One of such incidences have been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas radi allahu anhu:
'Abdullah bin Salam heard the news of the arrival of Allah's Apostle (at Medina) while he was on a farm collecting its fruits. So he came to the Prophet and said, "I will ask you about three things which nobody knows unless he be a prophet. Firstly, what is the first portent of the Hour? What is the first meal of the people of Paradise? And what makes a baby look like its father or mother?'. The Prophet said, "Just now Gabriel has informed me about that." 'Abdullah said, "Gabriel?" The Prophet said, "Yes." 'Abdullah said, "He, among the angels is the enemy of the Jews." On that the Prophet recited this Holy Verse:--
"Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel (let him die in his fury!) for he has brought it (i.e. Qur'an) down to your heart by Allah's permission." (2.97) Then he added, "As for the first portent of the Hour, it will be a fire that will collect the people from the East to West. And as for the first meal of the people of Paradise, it will be the caudite (i.e. extra) lobe of the fish liver. And if a man's discharge proceeded that of the woman, then the child resembles the father, and if the woman's discharge proceeded that of the man, then the child resembles the mother." On hearing that, 'Abdullah said, "I testify that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that you are the Apostle of Allah, O, Allah's Apostle; the Jews are liars, and if they should come to know that I have embraced Islam, they would accuse me of being a liar." In the meantime some Jews came (to the Prophet) and he asked them, "What is 'Abdullah's status amongst you?" They replied, "He is the best amongst us, and he is our chief and the son of our chief." The Prophet said, "What would you think if 'Abdullah bin Salam embraced Islam?" They replied, "May Allah protect him from this!" Then 'Abdullah came out and said, "I testify that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah." The Jews then said, "Abdullah is the worst of us and the son of the worst of us," and disparaged him. On that 'Abdullah said, "O Allah's Apostle! This is what I was afraid of!"( Bukhari : Book 6 , Volume 60 , Hadith 7)
Gabriel also came with revelations from Allah swt when some disputes were presented before Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam:
Gabriel aliehis salam also came with revelations from Allah swt when some disputes were presented before Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.One of such incidences has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
Hilal bin Umaiya accused his wife of committing illegal sexual intercourse with Sharik bin Sahma' and filed the case before the Prophet. The Prophet said (to Hilal), "Either you bring forth a proof (four witnesses) or you will receive the legal punishment (lashes) on your back." Hilal said, "O Allah's Apostle! If anyone of us saw a man over his wife, would he go to seek after witnesses?" The Prophet kept on saying, "Either you bring forth the witnesses or you will receive the legal punishment (lashes) on your back." Hilal then said, "By Him Who sent you with the Truth, I am telling the truth and Allah will reveal to you what will save my back from legal punishment." Then Gabriel came down and revealed to him:--
'As for those who accuse their wives...' (24.6-9) The Prophet recited it till he reached: '... (her accuser) is telling the truth.' Then the Prophet left and sent for the woman, and Hilal went (and brought) her and then took the oaths (confirming the claim). The Prophet was saying, "Allah knows that one of you is a liar, so will any of you repent?" Then the woman got up and took the oaths and when she was going to take the fifth one, the people stopped her and said, "It (the fifth oath) will definitely bring Allah's curse on you (if you are guilty)." So she hesitated and recoiled (from taking the oath) so much that we thought that she would withdraw her denial. But then she said, "I will not dishonor my family all through these days," and carried on (the process of taking oaths). The Prophet then said, "Watch her; if she delivers a black-eyed child with big hips and fat shins then it is Sharik bin Sahma's child." Later she delivered a child of that description. So the Prophet said, "If the case was not settled by Allah's Law, I would punish her severely."( Sahih Bukhari : Book 6 , Volume 60 ,Hadith 271)
Angel Gabriel used to came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with important queries so that people know about reality of their religion:
Sometimes angel Gabriel came to prophet salal laho aliehi with important queries in human form and the purpose of this coming was to teach people about religion and to guide them that how they should behave with their teacher. An instance has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu:
One day while the Prophet was sitting in the company of some people, (The angel) Gabriel came and asked, "What is faith?" Allah's Apostle replied, 'Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection." Then he further asked, "What is Islam?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah Alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat) and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan." Then he further asked, "What is Ihsan (perfection)?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you." Then he further asked, "When will the Hour be established?" Allah's Apostle replied, "The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents.
1. When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.
2. When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah.
The Prophet then recited: "Verily, with Allah (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour--." (31. 34) Then that man (Gabriel) left and the Prophet asked his companions to call him back, but they could not see him. Then the Prophet said, "That was Gabriel who came to teach the people their religion." Abu 'Abdullah said: He (the Prophet) considered all that as a part of faith. (Bukhari : Book 1 ,Volume 2 , Hadith 47)
In another hadith narrated abdullah bin umar radi Allahu anhuma the answer to the question of faith also contains faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil. (Muslim :Book 1 ,Hadith 1)
Gabriel also used to console prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with command of Allah swt when he was worried:
Gabriel also used to bring good news when prophet salaconsol laho aliehi wasalam was worried.Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was very anxious about his ummah and was weeping before Allah swt .Allah swt sent Gabriel to console him as mentioned in the following hadith:
'Abdullah b. Amr b. al-'As reported: Verily the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) recited the words of Allah, the Great and Glorious, that Ibrahim uttered. My Lord! lo! they have led many of mankind astray:" But whoso followeth me, he verily is of me" (al-Qur'an, xiv. 35) and Jesus (peace be upon him) said:" If thou punisheth them, lo! they are Thy slaves, and if Thou forgiveth them-verily Thou art the Mighty, the Wise" (al-Qur'an, v 117). Then he raised his hands and said: O Lord, my Ummah, my Ummah, and wept; so Allah the High and the Exalted said: O Gabriel, go to Muhammad (though your Lord knows it fully well) and ask him: What makes thee weep? So Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to him and asked him, and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) informed him what he had said (though Allah knew it fully well). Upon this Allah said: O Gabriel, go to Muhammad any say: Verily We will please thee with regard to your Ummah and would not displease thee.( Muslim : Book 1 , Hadith 397)
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was worried due to the death of his great companions who were killed by plot of polytheists.Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was told by Gabriel aliehis salam that they were forgiven by Allah swt.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas:
The Prophet sent seventy men from the tribe of Bani Salim to the tribe of Bani Amir. When they reached there, my maternal uncle said to them, "I will go ahead of you, and if they allow me to convey the message of Allah's Apostle (it will be all right); otherwise you will remain close to me." So he went ahead of them and the pagans granted him security But while he was reporting the message of the Prophet , they beckoned to one of their men who stabbed him to death. My maternal uncle said, "Allah is Greater! By the Lord of the Kaba, I am successful." After that they attached the rest of the party and killed them all except a lame man who went up to the top of the mountain. (Hammam, a sub-narrator said, "I think another man was saved along with him)." Gabriel informed the Prophet that they (i.e the martyrs) met their Lord, and He was pleased with them and made them pleased. We used to recite, "Inform our people that we have met our Lord, He is pleased with us and He has made us pleased " Later on this Quranic Verse was cancelled. The Prophet invoked Allah for forty days to curse the murderers from the tribe of Ral, Dhakwan, Bani Lihyan and Bam Usaiya who disobeyed Allah and his Apostle(Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 ,Volume 52 , Hadith 57)
Angel Gabriel came to Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam with glad tidings that everyone who has not associated partner with Allah swt will enter paradise:
Once angel Gabriel told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam that every person who has not associated partner with Allah swt will enter paradise despite his sins as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Dhar radi Allahu anhu:
While I was walking with the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam in the Harra of Medina, Uhud came in sight. The Prophet said, "O Abu Dhar!" I said, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam!" He said, "I would not like to have gold equal to this mountain of Uhud, unless nothing of it, not even a single Dinar of it remains with me for more than three days, except something which I will keep for repaying debts. I would have spent all of it (distributed it) amongst Allah's Slaves like this, and like this, and like this." The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam pointed out with his hand towards his right, his left and his back (while illustrating it). He proceeded with his walk and said, "The rich are in fact the poor (little rewarded) on the Day of Resurrection except those who spend their wealth like this, and like this, and like this, to their right, left and back, but such people are few in number." Then he said to me, "Stay at your place and do not leave it till I come back." Then he proceeded in the darkness of the night till he went out of sight, and then I heard a loud voice, and was afraid that something might have happened to the Prophet .1 intended to go to him, but I remembered what he had said to me, i.e. 'Don't leave your place till I come back to you,' so I remained at my place till he came back to me. I said, "O Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam! I heard a voice and I was afraid." So I mentioned the whole story to him. He said, "Did you hear it?" I replied, "Yes." He said, "It was Gabriel who came to me and said, 'Whoever died without joining others in worship with Allah, will enter Paradise.' I asked (Gabriel), 'Even if he had committed theft or committed illegal sexual intercourse? Gabriel said, 'Yes, even if he had committed theft or committed illegal sexual intercourse." (Sahih Bukhari :Book 8 , Volume 76 , Hadith 451)
Gabriel told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam that greatest portion of people of paradise will be from his ummah:
Once angel Gabriel told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam that greatest portion of the people of paradise will be from his ummah and they will be led by the people who rely on Him as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet said, "The people were displayed in front of me and I saw one prophet passing by with a large group of his followers, and another prophet passing by with only a small group of people, and another prophet passing by with only ten (persons), and another prophet passing by with only five (persons), and another prophet passed by alone. And then I looked and saw a large multitude of people, so I asked Gabriel, "Are these people my followers?' He said, 'No, but look towards the horizon.' I looked and saw a very large multitude of people. Gabriel said. 'Those are your followers, and those are seventy thousand (persons) in front of them who will neither have any reckoning of their accounts nor will receive any punishment.' I asked, 'Why?' He said, 'For they used not to treat themselves with branding (cauterization) nor with Ruqya (get oneself treated by the recitation of some Verses of the Qur'an) and not to see evil omen in things, and they used to put their trust (only) in their Lord." On hearing that, 'Ukasha bin Mihsan got up and said (to the Prophet), "Invoke Allah to make me one of them." The Prophet said, "O Allah, make him one of them." Then another man got up and said (to the Prophet), "Invoke Allah to make me one of them." The Prophet said, 'Ukasha has preceded you."( Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 ,Volume 76 ,Hadith 549)
Gabriel told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about status of those who sit together to remember Allah swt:
Gabriel aliehi salam once told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about the status of those who get together for remembrance of Allah swt that Allah swt talk about them with His angels as mentioned in the following hadith:
Abu Sa'id Khudri reported that Mu'awiya went to a circle in the mosque and said: What makes you sit here? They said: We are sitting here in order to re- member Allah. He said: I adjure you by Allah (to tell me whether you are sitting here for this very purpose)? They said: By Allah, we are sitting here for this very purpose. Thereupon, he said: I have not demanded you to take an oath, because of any allegation against you and none of my rank in the eye of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) is the narrator of so few ahadith as I am. The fact is that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) went out to the circle of his Companions and said: What makes you sit? They said: We are sitting here in order to remember Allah and to praise Him for He guided us to the path of Islam and He conferred favours upgn us. Thereupon he adjured by Allah and asked if that only was the purpose of their sitting there. They said: By Allah, we are not sitting here but for this very purpose, whereupon he (the Messenger) said: I am not asking you to take an oath because of any allegation against you but for the fact that Gabriel came to me and he informed me that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, was talking to the angels about your magnificence. (Muslim : Book 35 ,Hadith 6521)
Gabriel kept on highlighting the rights of neighbours :
Gabriel aliehis salam also came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and told him frequently about the importance of rights of neighbours.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrates Ibn Umar:
Allah' Apostle said, Gabriel kept on recommending me about treating the neighbors in a kind and polite manner, so much so that I thought that he would suggest (me) to make them (my) heirs."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 ,Volume 73 , Hadith 44)
Gabriel also used to carry the message of Rasool salal laho aleihi wasalam to Allah swt and brought His response back to him.
Some times Gabriel also used to carry the message of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam to Allah swt and also brought back the response of Allah swt to him .One of such instance has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Ubayy b. Ka'b reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) was near the tank of Banu Ghifar that Gabriel came to him and said: Allah has commanded you to recite to your people the Qur'an in one dialect. Upon this he said: I ask from Allah pardon and forgiveness. My people are not capable of doing it. He then came for the second time and said: Allah has commanded you that you should recite the Qur'an to your people in two dialects. Upon this he (the Holy prophet) again said: I seek pardon and forgiveness from Allah, my people would not be able to do so. He (Gabriel) came for the third time and said: Allah has commanded you to recite the Qur'an to your people in three dialects. Upon this he said: I ask pardon and forgiveness from Allah. My people would not be able to do it. He then came to him for the fourth time and said: Allah has commanded you to recite the Qur'an to your people in seven dialects, and in whichever dialect they would recite, they would be right. (Muslim : Book 4 ,Hadith 1789)
On another instance it has been narrated that Gabriel aliehis salam himself recited Quran in 7 dialects as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
Allah's Apostle said, "Gabriel read the Qur'an to me in one way (i.e. dialect) and I continued asking him to read it in different ways till he read it in seven different ways." ( Bukhari : Book 4 , Volume 54 , Hadith 442)
Gabriel suggested that prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam should not wear clothes of brocade:
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam wore clothes of brocade and Gabriel forbade him to wear these clothes.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Jabir b. Abdullah reported that one day Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) put on a cloak made of brocade, which had been presented to him. He then quickly put it off and sent it to 'Umar b. Khattab, and it was said to him: Messenger of Allah. why is it that you put it of immediately. whereupon he said: Gabriel forbade me from it (i. e. wearing of Ods garment), and 'Umar came to him weeping and said: Messenger of Allah you disapproved a thing but you gave it to me. What about me, then? Thereupon be (the Holy Prophet) Wd: I did not give it to you to wear it, but I gave you that you might sell it; and so he (Hadrat Umar) sold it for two thousand dirhams. (Muslim : Book 24 , Hadith 5158)
Supplication of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam for Hassan Bin Sabit radi Allahu anhu:
Hassan bin Sabit radi Allahu anhu is a great companion of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam who used to refute polytheists and always defended Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam against verbal attacks of polytheists.
On an instance Abu sufyan radi Allahu anhu who later became a Muslim refuted Rasool salal lahoa liehi wasalam .
Narrated Al Bara: The Prophet said to Hassan, 'Lampoon them (i.e. the pagans) and Gabriel is with you.' (Sahih Bukhari:Beginning of Creation, Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith 435)
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam invoked Allah swt by saying:
O Allah! Suppport him (i.e. Hassan) with the Holy Spirit?( Sahih Bukhari:Beginning of Creation, Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith 434)
The incidence of supplication of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam for Hassan bin Sabit has been narrated in detail by Aisha radi Allahu anha.The hadith narrated by Aisha radi Allahu anha is as follows:
'A'isha reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be uport him) said. Satirise against the (non-believing amongst the) Quraish, for (the satire) is more grievous to them than the hurt of an arrow. So he (the Holy Prophet) sent (someone) to Ibn Rawiha and asked him to satirise against them, and he composed a satire, but it did not appeal to him (to the Holy Prophet). He then sent (someone) to Ka'b b. Malik (to do the same, but what he composed did not appeal to the Holy Prophet). He then sent one to Hassan b. Thabit. As he got into his presence, Hassan said: Now you have called for this lion who strikes (the enemies) with his tail. He then brought out his tongue and began to move it and said: By Him Who has sent you with Truth, I shall tear them with my tongue as the leather is torn. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Don't be hasty; (let) Abu Bakr who has the best know- ledge of the lineage of the Quraish draw a distinction for you in regard to my lineage, as my lineage is thesame as theirs. Hassan then came to him (Abu Bakr) and after making inquiry (in regard to the lineage of the Holy Prophet) came back to him (the holy Prophet) and said: Allah's Messenger, he (Abu Bakr) has drawn a distinction in vour lineage (and that of the Quraish) By Him Who has sent you with Truth, I shall draw out from them (your name) as hair is drawn out from the flour. 'A'isha said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying to Hassan: Verily Ruh-ul- Qudus would continue to help you so long as you put up a defense on behalf of Allah and His Messenger. And she said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying: Hassan satirized against them and gave satisfaction to the (Muslims) and disquieted (the non-Muslims).
You satirized Muhammad, but I replied on his behalf,
And there is reward with Allah for this.
You satirized Muhammad. Virtuous , righteous,
The Apostle of Allah, whose nature is truthfulness.
So verily my father and his father and my honour
Are a protection to the honour of Muhammad;
May I lose my dear daughter, if you don't see her,
Wiping away the dust from the two sides of Kada',
They pull at the rein, going upward;
On their shoulders are spears thirsting (for the blood of the enemy) ;
our steeds are sweating-our women wipe them with their mantles.
If you had not interfered with us, we would have performed the 'Umra,
And (then) there was the Victory, and the darkness cleared away.
Otherwise wait for the fighting on the day in which Allah will honour whom He pleases.
And Allah said: I have sent a servant who says the Truth in which there is no ambiguity;
And Allah said: I have prepared an army-they are the Ansar whose object is fighting (the enemy),
There reaches every day from Ma'add abuse, or fighting or satire;
Whoever satirizes the Apostle from amongst you, or praises him and helps it is all the same,
And Gabriel, the Apostle of Allah is among us, and the Holy Spirit who has no match (Muslim :Book 31 , Hadith 6081)
Announcement of angel Gabriel in favour of person loved by Allah swt and makes an announcement against person hated by Allah swt :
When a person tries to please Allah swt and strive in his way a stage comes when Allah swt starts loving that person and commands Gabriel to announce in his favour so that people starts loving him as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira radi Allahu anhu:
The Prophet said, "If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel saying: 'Allah loves so and so; O Gabriel, love him.' Gabriel would love him, and then Gabriel would make an announcement among the residents of the Heaven, 'Allah loves so-and-so, therefore, you should love him also.' So, all the residents of the Heavens would love him and then he is granted the pleasure of the people of the earth." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 , Volume 73 , Hadith 66)
On another instance it has been narrated that Gabriel makes announcement against the person hated by Allah swt as mentioned in the following hadith:
when Allah is angry with any servant He calls Gabriel and says: I am angry with such and such and you also become angry with him, and then Gabriel also becomes angry and then makes an announcement amongst the inhabitants of heaven: Verily Allah is angry with so-and so, so you also become angry with him, and thus they also become angry with him. Then he becomes the object of wrath on the earth also.( Muslim :Book 32 , Hadith 6373)
Gabriel came twice for revision of Quran in the last year of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam’s life :
Gabriel used to came once a year to Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam for revision of Holy Quran but he came twice in the last year of prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam’s life and prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam guessed that this may be the last year of his life.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Once Fatima came walking and her gait resembled the gait of the Prophet . The Prophet said, "Welcome, O my daughter!" Then he made her sit on his right or on his left side, and then he told her a secret and she started weeping. I asked her, "Why are you weeping?" He again told her a secret and she started laughing. I said, "I never saw happiness so near to sadness as I saw today." I asked her what the Prophet had told her. She said, "I would never disclose the secret of Allah's Apostle ." When the Prophet died, I asked her about it. She replied. "The Prophet said.) 'Every year Gabriel used to revise the Qur'an with me once only, but this year he has done so twice. I think this portends my death, and you will be the first of my family to follow me.' So I started weeping. Then he said. 'Don't you like to be the mistress of all the ladies of Paradise or the mistress of all the lady believers? So I laughed for that."(Sahih Bukhari :Book 4 , Volume 56 , Hadith 819)
Does Gabriel come to earth after Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam?
The basic duty of Gabriel aliehis salam was to bring revelation of Allah swt on His prophets and messengers but even after the demise of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam he comes down to earth along with groups of angels on night of Decree.
This fact has been revealed in the Holy Quran in the following way:
The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allâh's Permission with all Decrees, (Al-Qadr 97:3-4)
May Allah SWT help us all to follow message that Gabriel A.S from Allah SWT to Rasool Allah SAW.
They are having wings. Some have two, some have three and some others have four .Allah swt may increase His creation as He desires (Fatir:1)
Rasool salal laho aleihi wasalam told about Angel Gabriel that he had 600 wings as mentioned in the following hadith:
Al-Shaibini reported to us: I asked Zirr b. Hubaish about the words of Allah (the Mighty and Great):" So he was (at a distance) of two bows or nearer" (al-Qur'an, Iiii 8). He said: Ibn Mas'ud informed me that, verily, the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) saw Gabriel and he had six hundred wings. (Muslim : Book 1 ,Hadith 330) .
Angels are very large in number and Allah swt has said in the Holy Quran:
No one knows the number of the army of your Lord except Him(Al Muddassir:31)
Allah alone knows their numbers ,duties and activities.
Among these angels four are having high grades .They have been mentioned in Quran and Hadiths of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam. Their names are as follows:
1.Gabriel
2.Michael
3.Israfeel
4.Malakul Mot/Angel of death.
Some other important angels are Kiraman katibeen who are appointed to write our good and bad deeds, Malakul jibal is appointed on mountains, Moaqqibat are the angels appointed to save human beings from invisible attacks, Munkar- Nakeer are appointed in graves to complete the process of accountability, Malik is the angel appointed on Hell fire ,Rizwan is the angel appointed on paradise and Hamileen al arsh are the angels who are holding throne of Almighty Allah swt.
Gabriel is the leader of Angels:
Gabriel is leader of angels and has also been mentioned as Holy and trustworthy spirit in Holy Quran and his basic duty was to bring revelation of Allah swt on His prophets and messengers but he also did many extra ordinary duties due to command and inspiration of Allah swt.
Gabriel came to Mary with the command of Allah swt:
When Jesus aliehis salam was born to Holy Mary angel Gabriel came upto her as mentioned in the following verse of Holy Quran:
We sent our spirit in the human form to her(Maryam:17)
His dialogue with Holy Mary has been narrated in Holy Quran in the following manner:
Angel Gabriel said:
I am messenger of your Lord to bless you with a pure boy(Maryam:19)
Mary said:
No human being has touched me and I am not a fornicator (Maryam:20)
Angel Gabriel told Mary that it was a blessing and mercy of Allah swt and this birth was a decided miracle of Allah swt in which there was a great sign for mankind from Allah swt . Nothing is difficult for Allah swt whenever He decides to do something He just says Let it be and it is done immediately.
When Hajar needed water for Ishmaeel Gabriel hit the earth with his heel and Zam Zam Gushed out:
When prophet Abraham aliehis salam left his wife Hajar in Makkah with his small son Ishmaeel and no one was there to help Hajar and Ishmaeel Allah swt sent Gabriel who hit the earth and Zam Zam spring gushed out .This incidence has been narrated in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
When Abraham had differences with his wife), (because of her jealousy of Hajar, Ishmael's mother), he took Ishmael and his mother and went away. They had a water-skin with them containing some water, Ishmael's mother used to drink water from the water-skin so that her milk would increase for her child. When Abraham reached Mecca, he made her sit under a tree and afterwards returned home. Ishmael's mother followed him, and when they reached Kada', she called him from behind, 'O Abraham! To whom are you leaving us?' He replied, '(I am leaving you) to Allah's (Care).' She said, 'I am satisfied to be with Allah.' She returned to her place and started drinking water from the water-skin, and her milk increased for her child. When the water had all been used up, she said to herself, 'I'd better go and look so that I may see somebody.' She ascended the Safa mountain and looked, hoping to see somebody, but in vain. When she came down to the valley, she ran till she reached the Marwa mountain. She ran to and fro (between the two mountains) many times. They she said to herself, 'i'd better go and see the state of the child,' she went and found it in a state of one on the point of dying. She could not endure to watch it dying and said (to herself), 'If I go and look, I may find somebody.' She went and ascended the Safa mountain and looked for a long while but could not find anybody. Thus she completed seven rounds (of running) between Safa and Marwa. Again she said (to herself), 'I'd better go back and see the state of the child.' But suddenly she heard a voice, and she said to that strange voice, 'Help us if you can offer any help.' Lo! It was Gabriel (who had made the voice). Gabriel hit the earth with his heel like this (Ibn 'Abbas hit the earth with his heel to Illustrate it), and so the water gushed out. Ishmael's mother was astonished and started digging. (Abu Al-Qasim) (i.e. the Prophet) said, "If she had left the water, (flow naturally without her intervention), it would have been flowing on the surface of the earth.") Ishmael's mother started drinking from the water and her milk increased for her child . Afterwards some people of the tribe of Jurhum, while passing through the bottom of the valley, saw some birds, and that astonished them, and they said, 'Birds can only be found at a place where there is water.' They sent a messenger who searched the place and found the water, and returned to inform them about it. Then they all went to her and said, 'O ishmael's mother! Will you allow us to be with you (or dwell with you)?' (And thus they stayed there( Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 , Volume 55 , Hadith 584)
Gabriel met Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam when he was a child:
It has been narrated that Gabriel came to Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam when he was a child and was playing with his playmates and cut his chest and pulled out his heart and washed it with Zam Zam.The hadith telling this fact is as follows:
Anas b. Malik reported that Gabriel came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upo him) while he was playing with his playmates. He took hold of him and lay him prostrate on the ground and tore open his breast and took out the heart from it and then extracted a blood-clot out of it and said: That was the part of Satan in thee. And then he washed it with the water of Zamzam in a golden basin and then it was joined together and restored to it place. The boys came running to his mother, i. e. his nurse, and said: Verily Muhammad has been murdered. They all rushed toward him (and found him all right) His color was changed, Anas said. I myself saw the marks of needle on his breast. (Muslim : Book 1 ,Hadith 311)
Gabriel brought first revelation on Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam in cave of Hira:
Gabriel aliehi salam brought first revelation of Allah swt on prophet Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam in cave of Hira where he was busy in meditation and was thinking about the reality of this universe and its link with its creator.This encounter of prophet Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam with angel Gabriel has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha:
(the mother of the faithful believers) The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Apostle was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food like-wise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read.
The Prophet added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones."
Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Apostle described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while.
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari while talking about the period of pause in revelation reporting the speech of the Prophet "While I was walking, all of a sudden I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up and saw the same angel who had visited me at the cave of Hira' sitting on a chair between the sky and the earth. I got afraid of him and came back home and said, 'Wrap me (in blankets).' And then Allah revealed the following Holy Verses (of Quran):
'O you (i.e. Muhammad)! wrapped up in garments!' Arise and warn (the people against Allah's Punishment),... up to 'and desert the idols.' (74.1-5) After this the revelation started coming strongly, frequently and regularly." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 1 ,Volume 1 , Hadith 3 )
Resentment of Jews against angel Gabriel:
Angel Gabriel also brought revelation to prophet Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam and Jews accused angel Gabriel for dishonesty. They were actually expecting the last prophet to be an offspring of Isaac aliehi salam but when he came from the family of Ishmaeel aliehis salam they became jealous and started opposing him and also expressed the feeling of resentment against angel Gabriel.
Allah swt took notice of their resentment and said:
Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur'ân) down to your heart by Allâh's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers. (Al-Baqarah 2:97)
On another instance Allah swt said :
Allâh knows best with whom to place His Message. (Al-An'am 6:124)
This jealousy of Jews against angels was actually a revolt against the decisions of Allah swt so Allah swt revealed a clear cut verse against this invalid enmity and resentment of Jews
Allah swt said:
"Whoever is an enemy to Allâh, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibrael (Gabriel) and Mikael (Michael), then verily, Allâh is an enemy to the disbelievers." (Al-Baqarah 2:98)
Prophet salal laho aliehi waslam was sitting with Gabriel when gate of heavens opened through which Surah Fatihah and two verses of Surah Baqarah was revealed:
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was sitting with Gabriel when gate of heavens opened from where Surah Fatihah and last two verses of Surah Baqarah was revealed .This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Ibn 'Abbas reported that while Gabriel was sitting with the Apostle (may peace be upon him) he heard a creaking sound above him. He lifted his head and said: This As a gate opened in heaven today which had never been opened before. Then when an angel descended through it, he said: This is an angel who came down to the earth who had-never come down before. He greeted and said: Rejoice in two lights given to you which have not been given to any prophet before you: Falihat al-Kitab and the concluding verses of Suarah al-Baqara. You will never recite a letter from them for which you will not be given (a reward). (Muslim : Book 4 ,Hadith 1760)
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam told about dialogue of Allah swt with Gabriel about paradise and Hell:
When Allah made paradise and hell fire He had a dialogue with Gabriel which clarifies that how difficult is the entrance to paradise and how easy is the entrance to hell .This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated AbuHurairah radi Allahu anhu:
The Apostle of Allah salal laho aliehi waslam said: When Allah created Paradise, He said to Gabriel: Go and look at it. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, no one who hears of it will fail to enter it.
He then surrounded it with disagreeable things, and said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, I am afraid that no one will enter it.
When Allah created Hell, He said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, no one who hears of it will enter it.
He then surrounded it with desirable things and said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went, looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might and power, I am afraid that no one will remain who does not enter it. (Abu Dawud : Book 40 ,Hadith 4726)
Prophet salal laho aleihi wasalam told that Gabriel hates pictures and dogs:
Angel Gabriel does not enter the houses where there are pictures and dogs as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Salim's father:
Once Gabriel promised to visit the Prophet but he delayed and the Prophet got worried about that. At last he came out and found Gabriel and complained to him of his grief (for his delay). Gabriel said to him, "We do not enter a place in which there is a picture or a dog." (Bukhari :Book 7 , Volume 72 ,Hadith 843)
This hadith has also been narrated in by Imam Muslim rahimahullah as follows:
A'isha reported that Gabriel (peace be upon him) made a promise with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) to come at a definite hour; that hour came but he did not visit him. And there was in his hand (in the hand of Allah's Apostle) a staff. He threw it from his hand and said: Never has Allah or His messengers (angels) ever broken their promise. Then he cast a glance (and by chance) found a puppy under his cot and said: 'A'isha, when did this dog enter here? She said: BY Allah, I don't know He then commanded and it was turned out. Then Gabriel came and Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said to him: You promised me and I waited for you. but you did not come, whereupon he said: It was the dog in your house which prevented me (to come), for we (angels) do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture. (Muslim : Book 24 ,Hadith 5246)
Angel Gabriel accompanied prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam in journey of Meraj:
When Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam was beaten and ridiculed by people of Makkah Allah swt took him from Masjid il Haram to Masjid al Aqsa in Jerusalem and than raised him to seven heavens where he met the previous prophets and also saw baitul Mamoor and other signs of Allah swt.This journey is also known as Meraj.In this Holy Journey angel Gabriel was accompanying prophet Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah's Apostle described to them his Night Journey saying, "While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came to me and cut my body open from here to here." I asked Al-Jarud who was by my side, "What does he mean?" He said, "It means from his throat to his pubic area," or said, "From the top of the chest." The Prophet further said, "He then took out my heart. Then a gold tray of Belief was brought to me and my heart was washed and was filled (with Belief) and then returned to its original place. Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me." (On this Al-Jarud asked, "Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?" I (i.e. Anas) replied in the affirmative). The Prophet said, "The animal's step (was so wide that it) reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal's sight. I was carried on it, and Gabriel set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven.
When he asked for the gate to be opened, it was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has Muhammad been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the first heaven, I saw Adam there. Gabriel said (to me). 'This is your father, Adam; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me till we reached the second heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel answered in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened.
When I went over the second heaven, there I saw Yahya (i.e. John) and 'Isa (i.e. Jesus) who were cousins of each other. Gabriel said (to me), 'These are John and Jesus; pay them your greetings.' So I greeted them and both of them returned my greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the third heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the third heaven there I saw Joseph. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Joseph; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excel lent visit his is!'
The gate was opened, and when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Idris; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked. 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is! So when I went over the fifth heaven, there I saw Harun (i.e. Aaron), Gabriel said, (to me). This is Aaron; pay him your greetings.' I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the sixth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked. 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. It was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'
When I went (over the sixth heaven), there I saw Moses. Gabriel said (to me),' This is Moses; pay him your greeting. So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' When I left him (i.e. Moses) he wept. Someone asked him, 'What makes you weep?' Moses said, 'I weep because after me there has been sent (as Prophet) a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'
So when I went (over the seventh heaven), there I saw Abraham. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is your father; pay your greetings to him.' So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, 'This is the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) . Behold ! There ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible, I asked, 'What are these two kinds of rivers, O Gabriel?' He replied,' As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.'
Then Al-Bait-ul-Ma'mur (i.e. the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Gabriel remarked, 'This is the Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.' Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Moses who asked (me), 'What have you been ordered to do?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day.' Moses said, 'Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden.' So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day.
When I came back to Moses, he said, 'What have you been ordered?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day.' He said, 'Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden.' I said, 'I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order.' When I left, I heard a voice saying, 'I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshipers."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 , Volume 58 , Hadith 227)
On another instance it has been clarified that it was angel Gabriel who cut the chest of prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and washed his heart with Zam Zam as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas bin Malik radi Allahu anhu:
The night Allah's Apostle was taken for a journey from the sacred mosque (of Mecca) Al-Ka'ba: Three persons came to him (in a dreamy while he was sleeping in the Sacred Mosque before the Divine Inspiration was revealed to Him. One of them said, "Which of them is he?" The middle (second) angel said, "He is the best of them." The last (third) angle said, "Take the best of them." Only that much happened on that night and he did not see them till they came on another night, i.e. after The Divine Inspiration was revealed to him. (Fateh-Al-Bari Page 258, Vol. 17) and he saw them, his eyes were asleep but his heart was not----and so is the case with the prophets: their eyes sleep while their hearts do not sleep. So those angels did not talk to him till they carried him and placed him beside the well of Zam-Zam. From among them Gabriel took charge of him. Gabriel cut open (the part of his body) between his throat and the middle of his chest (heart) and took all the material out of his chest and abdomen and then washed it with Zam-Zam water with his own hands till he cleansed the inside of his body, and then a gold tray containing a gold bowl full of belief and wisdom was brought and then Gabriel stuffed his chest and throat blood vessels with it and then closed it (the chest). He then ascended with him to the heaven of the world and knocked on one of its doors. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 9 , Volume 93 ,Hadith 608)
In another hadith it has been narrated that milk and wine were presented to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam chose milk .Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was appreciated by Gabriel on this decision.The exact narration is as follows:
Allah's Apostle said, "On the night of my Ascension to Heaven, I saw (the prophet) Moses who was a thin person with lank hair, looking like one of the men of the tribe of Shanua; and I saw Jesus who was of average height with red face as if he had just come out of a bathroom. And I resemble prophet Abraham more than any of his offspring does. Then I was given two cups, one containing milk and the other wine. Gabriel said, 'Drink whichever you like.' I took the milk and drank it. Gabriel said, 'You have accepted what is natural, (True Religion i.e. Islam) and if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray.' "(Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 , Volume 55 , Hadith 607)
Another hadith tells that prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam also saw Kauthar stream on the night of meraj.This has been narrated as follows:
Narrated Anas:
When the Prophet was made to ascend to the Heavens, he said (after his return), "I came upon a river the banks of which were made of tents of hollow pearls. I asked Gabriel. What is this (river?' He replied, 'This is the Kauthar.'Sahih Bukhari : Book 6 , Volume 60 , Hadith 488)
Gabriel approached prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam when he was injured and mocked by polytheists in Taif:
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam faced many hardships in way of Allah swt .One of the hardest day was the day of Taif when people of were hitting Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam angel Gabriel approached prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with message of destruction from Allah swt.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha:
That she asked the Prophet , 'Have you encountered a day harder than the day of the battle) of Uhud?" The Prophet replied, "Your tribes have troubled me a lot, and the worse trouble was the trouble on the day of 'Aqaba when I presented myself to Ibn 'Abd-Yalail bin 'Abd-Kulal and he did not respond to my demand. So I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and proceeded on, and could not relax till I found myself at Qarnath-Tha-alib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Gabriel in it. He called me saying, 'Allah has heard your people's saying to you, and what they have replied back to you, Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.' The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, "O Muhammad! Order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akh-Shabain (i.e. two mountains) fall on them." The Prophet said, "No but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah Alone, and will worship None besides Him." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 ,Volume 54 ,Hadith 454)
Gabriel came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with total procedure and timings of 5 salahs:
Gabriel aliehis salam came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with total procedure and timings of five salah as mentioned in the following hadith:
Ibn Shibab reported: 'Umar b. 'Abd al-'Aziz deferred the afternoon prayer somewhat and 'Urwa said to him: Gabriel came down and he led the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in prayer. 'Umar said to him: O 'Urwa, are you aware of what you are saying? Upon this he ('Urwa) said: I heard Bashir b. Abu Mas'ud say that he heard Abu Mas'ud say that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) say: Gabriel came down and acted as my Imam, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him. then I prayed with him. then I prayed with him. reckoning with his fingers five times of prayer. (Muslim : Book 4 , Hadith 1268)
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was ready to offer salah with his sandals angel Gabriel came to him and asked him to put off his sandals because there was a filth on his sandals.Prophet salal laho alieihi wasalam commanded his companions to check their sandals before offering salah The hadith telling this fact is as follows:
Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri:
While the Apostle of Allah PBUH was leading his Companions in prayer, he took off his sandals and laid them on his left side; so when the people saw this, they removed their sandals. When the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) finished his prayer, he asked: What made you remove your sandals? The replied: We saw you remove your sandals, so we removed our sandals.
The Apostle of Allah PBUH then said: Gabriel came to me and informed me that there was filth in them. When any of you comes to the mosque, he should see; if he finds filth on his sandals, he should wipe it off and pray in them. (Abu Dawud : Book 2 , Hadith 650)
Angel Gabriel used to meet Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam daily in Ramadan:
Angel Gabriel used to meet Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam daily in Ramadan and used to recite Quran with him and prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was most generous during Ramadan as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas radi Allahu anhu:
The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur'an to Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare). (Sahih Bukhari : Book 3 ,Volume 31 , Hadith 126)
Gabriel aliehis salam told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about the Night of decree:
Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam was keen to find the night of decree and was searching it thoroughly when angel Gabriel told him that it was in the last decade of Ramadan as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Salama:
Once I went to Abu- Sa'id Al-Khudri and asked him, "Won't you come with us to the date-palm trees to have a talk?" So Abu Said went out and I asked him, "Tell me what you heard from the Prophet about the Night of Qadr." Abu Said replied, "Once Allah's Apostle performed I'tikaf (seclusion) on the first ten days of the month of Ramadan and we did the same with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night you are looking for is ahead of you.' So the Prophet performed the I'tikaf in the middle (second) ten days of the month of Ramadan and we too performed I'tikaf with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night which you are looking for is ahead of you.' In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan the Prophet delivered a sermon saying, 'Whoever has performed I'tikaf with me should continue it. I have been shown the Night of "Qadr", but have forgotten its date, but it is in the odd nights of the last ten nights. I saw in my dream that I was prostrating in mud and water.' In those days the roof of the mosque was made of branches of date-palm trees. At that time the sky was clear and no cloud was visible, but suddenly a cloud came and it rained. The Prophet led us in the prayer and I saw the traces of mud on the forehead and on the nose of Allah's Apostle. So it was the confirmation of that dream." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 1 , Volume 12 , Hadith 777)
Gabriel used to come to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam only with command of Allah swt:
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam loved the company of Gabriel aliehis salam and wanted to see him more frequently but he told Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam that he could only see him with with command and permission of Allah swt as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet said, "O Gabriel, what prevents you. from visiting us more often than you do?" Then this Verse was revealed:--'And we angels descend not but by Command of your Lord. To Him belongs what is before us and what is behind us..' (19.64) So this was the answer to Muhammad.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 9 , Volume 93 , Hadith 547)
Angel Gabriel in battle of Badar:
Battle of Badar was the first battle between Polytheists and Muslims.Shaitan was also participating in this battle in human form and was acting as a kafir leader named Suraqa and was motivating kuffars.He assured Kuffars of victory .The activities and sayings of Shaitan have been quoted by Allah swt in the following way:
And (remember) when Shaitân (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said, "No one of mankind can overcome you this Day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbour (for each and every help)." (Al-Anfal 8:48)
Allah swt favoured Muslims in this battle in a way that Allah swt sent Gabriel with thousands of angels . When shaitan saw angel Gabriel he left the battle field .Allah swt has narrated this scene in the following way:
But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said "Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily! I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allâh for Allâh is Severe in punishment." (Al-Anfal 8:48)
A hadith telling about the participation of Gabriel aliehis salam in battle of Badar is as follows:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet said on the day (of the battle) of Badr, "This is Gabriel holding the head of his horse and equipped with arms for the battle.( Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 , Volume 59 , Hadith 330)
Once angel Gabriel had dialogue with prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about grades of his companions.This dialogue glorifies the companions who participated in badar.This dialogue has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Rifaa radi Allahu anhu:
(who was one of the Badr warriors) Gabriel came to the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and said, "How do you look upon the warriors of Badr among yourselves?" The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "As the best of the Muslims." or said a similar statement. On that, Gabriel said, "And so are the Angels who participated in the Badr (battle)."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 ,Volume 59 , Hadith 327)
Gabriel and Michael participated in battle of Uhud:
It has also been narrated in authentic hadith that Gabriel and Michael participated in battle of Uhud.This has been narrated as follows:
Sa'd reported that on the Day of Uhud I saw on the right side of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and on his left side two persons dressed in white clothes and whom I did not see before nor after that, and they were Gabriel and Michael (Allah be pleased with both of them).( Muslim : Book 30 , Hadith 5713)
Gabriel also participated in Ahzab and war against Bani Quraizah:
It has also been narrated that Gabriel participated in Ahzab and against Bani Quraizah .The incidence has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha radi Allahu anha:
Sad radi Allahu anhu was wounded on the day of Khandaq (i.e. Trench) when a man from Quraish, called Hibban bin Al-'Araqa hit him (with an arrow). The man was Hibban bin Qais from (the tribe of) Bani Mais bin 'Amir bin Lu'ai who shot an arrow at Sad's medial arm vein (or main artery of the arm). The Prophet pitched a tent (for Sad) in the Mosque so that he might be near to the Prophet to visit. When the Prophet returned from the (battle) of Al-Khandaq (i.e. Trench) and laid down his arms and took a bath Gabriel came to him while he (i.e. Gabriel) was shaking the dust off his head, and said, "You have laid down the arms?" By Allah, I have not laid them down. Go out to them (to attack them)." The Prophet said, "Where?" Gabriel pointed towards Bani Quraizah. So Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam went to them (i.e. Banu Quraizah) (i.e. besieged them). (Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 ,Volume 59 , Hadith 448)
There is another hadith narrated by Anas radi Allahu about participation of Gabriel in Banu Quraidah.The hadith is as follows:
Narrated Anas:
As if I am just now looking at the dust rising in the street of Banu Ghanm (in Medina) because of the marching of Gabriel's regiment when Allah's Apostle set out to Banu Quraiza (to attack them).( Bukhari : Book 5 ,Volume 59 , Hadith 444)
Gabriel told Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam that all the sins of the martyrs in the way of Allah swt will be forgiven except debt:
Once Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam was telling his companions that all the sins of the martyr in the way of Allah swt will be forgiven.Gabriel came and told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam that all the sins except debt will be forgiven.The hadith telling this fact is as follows:
It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Qatada that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) stood up among them (his Companions) to deliver his sermon in which he told them that Jihad in the way of Allah and belief in Allah (with all His Attributes) are the most meritorious of acts. A man stood up and said: Messenger of Allah, do you think that if I am killed in the way of Allah, my sins will be blotted out from me? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Yes, in case you are killed in the way of Allah and you were patient and sincere and you always fought facing the enemy, never turming your back upon him. Then he added: What have you said (now)? (Wishing to have further assurance from him for his satisfaction), he asked (again): Do you think if I am killed in the way of Allah, all my sins will be obliterated from me? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Yes, it you were patient and sincere and always fought facing the enemy and never turning your back upon him, (all your lapses would be forgiven) except debt. Gabriel has told me this. (Muslim : Book 20 , Hadith 4646)
Gabriel also did dua for Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam when he was ill:
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam became ill .Angel Gabriel did dua for his cure as mentioned in the following hadith:
Abu Sa'id reported that Gabriel came to AJlah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: Muhammad, have you fallen ill? Thereupon he said: Yes. He (Gabriel) said:" In the name of Allah I exercise you from everything and safeguard you from every evil that may harm you and from the eye of a jealous one. Allah would cure you and I invoke the name of Allah for you." (Muslim :Book 26 , Hadith 5425)
Gabriel sent greetings of Allah swt on Ummul momineen Khadija radi Allahu anha:
Once Gabriel aliehi salam conveyed greetings of Allah swt on Ummul momineen Khadija radi Allahu anha as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anha:
The Prophet said that Gabriel said, "Here is Khadija coming to you with a dish of food or a tumbler containing something to drink. Convey to her a greeting from her Lord (Allah) and give her the glad tidings that she will have a palace in Paradise built of Qasab wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue (trouble)."( Bukhari : Book 9 , Volume 93 , Hadith 588)
Gabriel sent greetings on Ummul Momineen Ayesha radi Allahu anhu:
It is one of the merits of beloved wife of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam that angel Gabriel sent salam on her as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha radi Allahu anha:
Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "O 'Aisha! This is Gabriel sending his greetings to you." I said, "Peace, and Allah's Mercy be on him (Gabriel). You see what we do not see." (She was addressing Allah's Apostle). (Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 , Volume 74 , Hadith 266)
Gabriel used to inform prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about answers of the queries of the people of scriptures:
Sometimes knowledgeable people of scriptures came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and asked him questions to test him .Allah swt used to sent Gabriel with the answers of these questions and when prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam used to give appropriate answers people of scriptures were amazed on right answers. One of such incidences have been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas radi allahu anhu:
'Abdullah bin Salam heard the news of the arrival of Allah's Apostle (at Medina) while he was on a farm collecting its fruits. So he came to the Prophet and said, "I will ask you about three things which nobody knows unless he be a prophet. Firstly, what is the first portent of the Hour? What is the first meal of the people of Paradise? And what makes a baby look like its father or mother?'. The Prophet said, "Just now Gabriel has informed me about that." 'Abdullah said, "Gabriel?" The Prophet said, "Yes." 'Abdullah said, "He, among the angels is the enemy of the Jews." On that the Prophet recited this Holy Verse:--
"Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel (let him die in his fury!) for he has brought it (i.e. Qur'an) down to your heart by Allah's permission." (2.97) Then he added, "As for the first portent of the Hour, it will be a fire that will collect the people from the East to West. And as for the first meal of the people of Paradise, it will be the caudite (i.e. extra) lobe of the fish liver. And if a man's discharge proceeded that of the woman, then the child resembles the father, and if the woman's discharge proceeded that of the man, then the child resembles the mother." On hearing that, 'Abdullah said, "I testify that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that you are the Apostle of Allah, O, Allah's Apostle; the Jews are liars, and if they should come to know that I have embraced Islam, they would accuse me of being a liar." In the meantime some Jews came (to the Prophet) and he asked them, "What is 'Abdullah's status amongst you?" They replied, "He is the best amongst us, and he is our chief and the son of our chief." The Prophet said, "What would you think if 'Abdullah bin Salam embraced Islam?" They replied, "May Allah protect him from this!" Then 'Abdullah came out and said, "I testify that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah." The Jews then said, "Abdullah is the worst of us and the son of the worst of us," and disparaged him. On that 'Abdullah said, "O Allah's Apostle! This is what I was afraid of!"( Bukhari : Book 6 , Volume 60 , Hadith 7)
Gabriel also came with revelations from Allah swt when some disputes were presented before Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam:
Gabriel aliehis salam also came with revelations from Allah swt when some disputes were presented before Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.One of such incidences has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
Hilal bin Umaiya accused his wife of committing illegal sexual intercourse with Sharik bin Sahma' and filed the case before the Prophet. The Prophet said (to Hilal), "Either you bring forth a proof (four witnesses) or you will receive the legal punishment (lashes) on your back." Hilal said, "O Allah's Apostle! If anyone of us saw a man over his wife, would he go to seek after witnesses?" The Prophet kept on saying, "Either you bring forth the witnesses or you will receive the legal punishment (lashes) on your back." Hilal then said, "By Him Who sent you with the Truth, I am telling the truth and Allah will reveal to you what will save my back from legal punishment." Then Gabriel came down and revealed to him:--
'As for those who accuse their wives...' (24.6-9) The Prophet recited it till he reached: '... (her accuser) is telling the truth.' Then the Prophet left and sent for the woman, and Hilal went (and brought) her and then took the oaths (confirming the claim). The Prophet was saying, "Allah knows that one of you is a liar, so will any of you repent?" Then the woman got up and took the oaths and when she was going to take the fifth one, the people stopped her and said, "It (the fifth oath) will definitely bring Allah's curse on you (if you are guilty)." So she hesitated and recoiled (from taking the oath) so much that we thought that she would withdraw her denial. But then she said, "I will not dishonor my family all through these days," and carried on (the process of taking oaths). The Prophet then said, "Watch her; if she delivers a black-eyed child with big hips and fat shins then it is Sharik bin Sahma's child." Later she delivered a child of that description. So the Prophet said, "If the case was not settled by Allah's Law, I would punish her severely."( Sahih Bukhari : Book 6 , Volume 60 ,Hadith 271)
Angel Gabriel used to came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with important queries so that people know about reality of their religion:
Sometimes angel Gabriel came to prophet salal laho aliehi with important queries in human form and the purpose of this coming was to teach people about religion and to guide them that how they should behave with their teacher. An instance has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu:
One day while the Prophet was sitting in the company of some people, (The angel) Gabriel came and asked, "What is faith?" Allah's Apostle replied, 'Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection." Then he further asked, "What is Islam?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah Alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat) and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan." Then he further asked, "What is Ihsan (perfection)?" Allah's Apostle replied, "To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you." Then he further asked, "When will the Hour be established?" Allah's Apostle replied, "The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents.
1. When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.
2. When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah.
The Prophet then recited: "Verily, with Allah (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour--." (31. 34) Then that man (Gabriel) left and the Prophet asked his companions to call him back, but they could not see him. Then the Prophet said, "That was Gabriel who came to teach the people their religion." Abu 'Abdullah said: He (the Prophet) considered all that as a part of faith. (Bukhari : Book 1 ,Volume 2 , Hadith 47)
In another hadith narrated abdullah bin umar radi Allahu anhuma the answer to the question of faith also contains faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil. (Muslim :Book 1 ,Hadith 1)
Gabriel also used to console prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam with command of Allah swt when he was worried:
Gabriel also used to bring good news when prophet salaconsol laho aliehi wasalam was worried.Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was very anxious about his ummah and was weeping before Allah swt .Allah swt sent Gabriel to console him as mentioned in the following hadith:
'Abdullah b. Amr b. al-'As reported: Verily the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) recited the words of Allah, the Great and Glorious, that Ibrahim uttered. My Lord! lo! they have led many of mankind astray:" But whoso followeth me, he verily is of me" (al-Qur'an, xiv. 35) and Jesus (peace be upon him) said:" If thou punisheth them, lo! they are Thy slaves, and if Thou forgiveth them-verily Thou art the Mighty, the Wise" (al-Qur'an, v 117). Then he raised his hands and said: O Lord, my Ummah, my Ummah, and wept; so Allah the High and the Exalted said: O Gabriel, go to Muhammad (though your Lord knows it fully well) and ask him: What makes thee weep? So Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to him and asked him, and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) informed him what he had said (though Allah knew it fully well). Upon this Allah said: O Gabriel, go to Muhammad any say: Verily We will please thee with regard to your Ummah and would not displease thee.( Muslim : Book 1 , Hadith 397)
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was worried due to the death of his great companions who were killed by plot of polytheists.Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam was told by Gabriel aliehis salam that they were forgiven by Allah swt.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Anas:
The Prophet sent seventy men from the tribe of Bani Salim to the tribe of Bani Amir. When they reached there, my maternal uncle said to them, "I will go ahead of you, and if they allow me to convey the message of Allah's Apostle (it will be all right); otherwise you will remain close to me." So he went ahead of them and the pagans granted him security But while he was reporting the message of the Prophet , they beckoned to one of their men who stabbed him to death. My maternal uncle said, "Allah is Greater! By the Lord of the Kaba, I am successful." After that they attached the rest of the party and killed them all except a lame man who went up to the top of the mountain. (Hammam, a sub-narrator said, "I think another man was saved along with him)." Gabriel informed the Prophet that they (i.e the martyrs) met their Lord, and He was pleased with them and made them pleased. We used to recite, "Inform our people that we have met our Lord, He is pleased with us and He has made us pleased " Later on this Quranic Verse was cancelled. The Prophet invoked Allah for forty days to curse the murderers from the tribe of Ral, Dhakwan, Bani Lihyan and Bam Usaiya who disobeyed Allah and his Apostle(Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 ,Volume 52 , Hadith 57)
Angel Gabriel came to Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam with glad tidings that everyone who has not associated partner with Allah swt will enter paradise:
Once angel Gabriel told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam that every person who has not associated partner with Allah swt will enter paradise despite his sins as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Dhar radi Allahu anhu:
While I was walking with the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam in the Harra of Medina, Uhud came in sight. The Prophet said, "O Abu Dhar!" I said, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam!" He said, "I would not like to have gold equal to this mountain of Uhud, unless nothing of it, not even a single Dinar of it remains with me for more than three days, except something which I will keep for repaying debts. I would have spent all of it (distributed it) amongst Allah's Slaves like this, and like this, and like this." The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam pointed out with his hand towards his right, his left and his back (while illustrating it). He proceeded with his walk and said, "The rich are in fact the poor (little rewarded) on the Day of Resurrection except those who spend their wealth like this, and like this, and like this, to their right, left and back, but such people are few in number." Then he said to me, "Stay at your place and do not leave it till I come back." Then he proceeded in the darkness of the night till he went out of sight, and then I heard a loud voice, and was afraid that something might have happened to the Prophet .1 intended to go to him, but I remembered what he had said to me, i.e. 'Don't leave your place till I come back to you,' so I remained at my place till he came back to me. I said, "O Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam! I heard a voice and I was afraid." So I mentioned the whole story to him. He said, "Did you hear it?" I replied, "Yes." He said, "It was Gabriel who came to me and said, 'Whoever died without joining others in worship with Allah, will enter Paradise.' I asked (Gabriel), 'Even if he had committed theft or committed illegal sexual intercourse? Gabriel said, 'Yes, even if he had committed theft or committed illegal sexual intercourse." (Sahih Bukhari :Book 8 , Volume 76 , Hadith 451)
Gabriel told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam that greatest portion of people of paradise will be from his ummah:
Once angel Gabriel told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam that greatest portion of the people of paradise will be from his ummah and they will be led by the people who rely on Him as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet said, "The people were displayed in front of me and I saw one prophet passing by with a large group of his followers, and another prophet passing by with only a small group of people, and another prophet passing by with only ten (persons), and another prophet passing by with only five (persons), and another prophet passed by alone. And then I looked and saw a large multitude of people, so I asked Gabriel, "Are these people my followers?' He said, 'No, but look towards the horizon.' I looked and saw a very large multitude of people. Gabriel said. 'Those are your followers, and those are seventy thousand (persons) in front of them who will neither have any reckoning of their accounts nor will receive any punishment.' I asked, 'Why?' He said, 'For they used not to treat themselves with branding (cauterization) nor with Ruqya (get oneself treated by the recitation of some Verses of the Qur'an) and not to see evil omen in things, and they used to put their trust (only) in their Lord." On hearing that, 'Ukasha bin Mihsan got up and said (to the Prophet), "Invoke Allah to make me one of them." The Prophet said, "O Allah, make him one of them." Then another man got up and said (to the Prophet), "Invoke Allah to make me one of them." The Prophet said, 'Ukasha has preceded you."( Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 ,Volume 76 ,Hadith 549)
Gabriel told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about status of those who sit together to remember Allah swt:
Gabriel aliehi salam once told prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam about the status of those who get together for remembrance of Allah swt that Allah swt talk about them with His angels as mentioned in the following hadith:
Abu Sa'id Khudri reported that Mu'awiya went to a circle in the mosque and said: What makes you sit here? They said: We are sitting here in order to re- member Allah. He said: I adjure you by Allah (to tell me whether you are sitting here for this very purpose)? They said: By Allah, we are sitting here for this very purpose. Thereupon, he said: I have not demanded you to take an oath, because of any allegation against you and none of my rank in the eye of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) is the narrator of so few ahadith as I am. The fact is that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) went out to the circle of his Companions and said: What makes you sit? They said: We are sitting here in order to remember Allah and to praise Him for He guided us to the path of Islam and He conferred favours upgn us. Thereupon he adjured by Allah and asked if that only was the purpose of their sitting there. They said: By Allah, we are not sitting here but for this very purpose, whereupon he (the Messenger) said: I am not asking you to take an oath because of any allegation against you but for the fact that Gabriel came to me and he informed me that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, was talking to the angels about your magnificence. (Muslim : Book 35 ,Hadith 6521)
Gabriel kept on highlighting the rights of neighbours :
Gabriel aliehis salam also came to prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam and told him frequently about the importance of rights of neighbours.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrates Ibn Umar:
Allah' Apostle said, Gabriel kept on recommending me about treating the neighbors in a kind and polite manner, so much so that I thought that he would suggest (me) to make them (my) heirs."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 ,Volume 73 , Hadith 44)
Gabriel also used to carry the message of Rasool salal laho aleihi wasalam to Allah swt and brought His response back to him.
Some times Gabriel also used to carry the message of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam to Allah swt and also brought back the response of Allah swt to him .One of such instance has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Ubayy b. Ka'b reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) was near the tank of Banu Ghifar that Gabriel came to him and said: Allah has commanded you to recite to your people the Qur'an in one dialect. Upon this he said: I ask from Allah pardon and forgiveness. My people are not capable of doing it. He then came for the second time and said: Allah has commanded you that you should recite the Qur'an to your people in two dialects. Upon this he (the Holy prophet) again said: I seek pardon and forgiveness from Allah, my people would not be able to do so. He (Gabriel) came for the third time and said: Allah has commanded you to recite the Qur'an to your people in three dialects. Upon this he said: I ask pardon and forgiveness from Allah. My people would not be able to do it. He then came to him for the fourth time and said: Allah has commanded you to recite the Qur'an to your people in seven dialects, and in whichever dialect they would recite, they would be right. (Muslim : Book 4 ,Hadith 1789)
On another instance it has been narrated that Gabriel aliehis salam himself recited Quran in 7 dialects as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
Allah's Apostle said, "Gabriel read the Qur'an to me in one way (i.e. dialect) and I continued asking him to read it in different ways till he read it in seven different ways." ( Bukhari : Book 4 , Volume 54 , Hadith 442)
Gabriel suggested that prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam should not wear clothes of brocade:
Once prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam wore clothes of brocade and Gabriel forbade him to wear these clothes.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Jabir b. Abdullah reported that one day Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) put on a cloak made of brocade, which had been presented to him. He then quickly put it off and sent it to 'Umar b. Khattab, and it was said to him: Messenger of Allah. why is it that you put it of immediately. whereupon he said: Gabriel forbade me from it (i. e. wearing of Ods garment), and 'Umar came to him weeping and said: Messenger of Allah you disapproved a thing but you gave it to me. What about me, then? Thereupon be (the Holy Prophet) Wd: I did not give it to you to wear it, but I gave you that you might sell it; and so he (Hadrat Umar) sold it for two thousand dirhams. (Muslim : Book 24 , Hadith 5158)
Supplication of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam for Hassan Bin Sabit radi Allahu anhu:
Hassan bin Sabit radi Allahu anhu is a great companion of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam who used to refute polytheists and always defended Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam against verbal attacks of polytheists.
On an instance Abu sufyan radi Allahu anhu who later became a Muslim refuted Rasool salal lahoa liehi wasalam .
Narrated Al Bara: The Prophet said to Hassan, 'Lampoon them (i.e. the pagans) and Gabriel is with you.' (Sahih Bukhari:Beginning of Creation, Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith 435)
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam invoked Allah swt by saying:
O Allah! Suppport him (i.e. Hassan) with the Holy Spirit?( Sahih Bukhari:Beginning of Creation, Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith 434)
The incidence of supplication of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam for Hassan bin Sabit has been narrated in detail by Aisha radi Allahu anha.The hadith narrated by Aisha radi Allahu anha is as follows:
'A'isha reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be uport him) said. Satirise against the (non-believing amongst the) Quraish, for (the satire) is more grievous to them than the hurt of an arrow. So he (the Holy Prophet) sent (someone) to Ibn Rawiha and asked him to satirise against them, and he composed a satire, but it did not appeal to him (to the Holy Prophet). He then sent (someone) to Ka'b b. Malik (to do the same, but what he composed did not appeal to the Holy Prophet). He then sent one to Hassan b. Thabit. As he got into his presence, Hassan said: Now you have called for this lion who strikes (the enemies) with his tail. He then brought out his tongue and began to move it and said: By Him Who has sent you with Truth, I shall tear them with my tongue as the leather is torn. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Don't be hasty; (let) Abu Bakr who has the best know- ledge of the lineage of the Quraish draw a distinction for you in regard to my lineage, as my lineage is thesame as theirs. Hassan then came to him (Abu Bakr) and after making inquiry (in regard to the lineage of the Holy Prophet) came back to him (the holy Prophet) and said: Allah's Messenger, he (Abu Bakr) has drawn a distinction in vour lineage (and that of the Quraish) By Him Who has sent you with Truth, I shall draw out from them (your name) as hair is drawn out from the flour. 'A'isha said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying to Hassan: Verily Ruh-ul- Qudus would continue to help you so long as you put up a defense on behalf of Allah and His Messenger. And she said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying: Hassan satirized against them and gave satisfaction to the (Muslims) and disquieted (the non-Muslims).
You satirized Muhammad, but I replied on his behalf,
And there is reward with Allah for this.
You satirized Muhammad. Virtuous , righteous,
The Apostle of Allah, whose nature is truthfulness.
So verily my father and his father and my honour
Are a protection to the honour of Muhammad;
May I lose my dear daughter, if you don't see her,
Wiping away the dust from the two sides of Kada',
They pull at the rein, going upward;
On their shoulders are spears thirsting (for the blood of the enemy) ;
our steeds are sweating-our women wipe them with their mantles.
If you had not interfered with us, we would have performed the 'Umra,
And (then) there was the Victory, and the darkness cleared away.
Otherwise wait for the fighting on the day in which Allah will honour whom He pleases.
And Allah said: I have sent a servant who says the Truth in which there is no ambiguity;
And Allah said: I have prepared an army-they are the Ansar whose object is fighting (the enemy),
There reaches every day from Ma'add abuse, or fighting or satire;
Whoever satirizes the Apostle from amongst you, or praises him and helps it is all the same,
And Gabriel, the Apostle of Allah is among us, and the Holy Spirit who has no match (Muslim :Book 31 , Hadith 6081)
Announcement of angel Gabriel in favour of person loved by Allah swt and makes an announcement against person hated by Allah swt :
When a person tries to please Allah swt and strive in his way a stage comes when Allah swt starts loving that person and commands Gabriel to announce in his favour so that people starts loving him as mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira radi Allahu anhu:
The Prophet said, "If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel saying: 'Allah loves so and so; O Gabriel, love him.' Gabriel would love him, and then Gabriel would make an announcement among the residents of the Heaven, 'Allah loves so-and-so, therefore, you should love him also.' So, all the residents of the Heavens would love him and then he is granted the pleasure of the people of the earth." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 , Volume 73 , Hadith 66)
On another instance it has been narrated that Gabriel makes announcement against the person hated by Allah swt as mentioned in the following hadith:
when Allah is angry with any servant He calls Gabriel and says: I am angry with such and such and you also become angry with him, and then Gabriel also becomes angry and then makes an announcement amongst the inhabitants of heaven: Verily Allah is angry with so-and so, so you also become angry with him, and thus they also become angry with him. Then he becomes the object of wrath on the earth also.( Muslim :Book 32 , Hadith 6373)
Gabriel came twice for revision of Quran in the last year of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam’s life :
Gabriel used to came once a year to Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam for revision of Holy Quran but he came twice in the last year of prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam’s life and prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam guessed that this may be the last year of his life.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Once Fatima came walking and her gait resembled the gait of the Prophet . The Prophet said, "Welcome, O my daughter!" Then he made her sit on his right or on his left side, and then he told her a secret and she started weeping. I asked her, "Why are you weeping?" He again told her a secret and she started laughing. I said, "I never saw happiness so near to sadness as I saw today." I asked her what the Prophet had told her. She said, "I would never disclose the secret of Allah's Apostle ." When the Prophet died, I asked her about it. She replied. "The Prophet said.) 'Every year Gabriel used to revise the Qur'an with me once only, but this year he has done so twice. I think this portends my death, and you will be the first of my family to follow me.' So I started weeping. Then he said. 'Don't you like to be the mistress of all the ladies of Paradise or the mistress of all the lady believers? So I laughed for that."(Sahih Bukhari :Book 4 , Volume 56 , Hadith 819)
Does Gabriel come to earth after Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam?
The basic duty of Gabriel aliehis salam was to bring revelation of Allah swt on His prophets and messengers but even after the demise of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam he comes down to earth along with groups of angels on night of Decree.
This fact has been revealed in the Holy Quran in the following way:
The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allâh's Permission with all Decrees, (Al-Qadr 97:3-4)
May Allah SWT help us all to follow message that Gabriel A.S from Allah SWT to Rasool Allah SAW.