Part 1 · Page 244
Gabriel Teaches the Messenger Ablution and Prayer
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; reports and editorial assessments are distinguished.
This local English rendering may condense the Arabic narration and editorial notes. It is not a complete published English edition. Consult the Arabic source for exact wording and context.
Read the corresponding Arabic sectionIbn Ishaq said: I was told by a learned person that when prayer was prescribed, Gabriel came to the Messenger in the upper part of Makkah. He struck the ground at the edge of a valley with his heel, and a spring burst forth. Gabriel performed ablution while the Messenger watched, showing him how to purify himself for prayer. The Messenger then performed ablution as Gabriel had, and Gabriel led him in prayer. The Messenger prayed with him, after which Gabriel departed.
Al-Suhayli notes that this Seerah report is disconnected and by itself is not a foundation for legal rulings. A connected version is also reported through Zayd ibn Harithah, but its chain includes Ibn Lahi‘ah, whose memory and books were criticized, though Malik is reported to have spoken favorably of him. The commentary discusses when prayer was increased from two units and whether adding units or additional prayers is technically abrogation; it records the difference between the Hanafi view and that of most theologians. The timing of these events relative to the Night Journey is also disputed.