The Mysterious Visitor
Week 28 • Prophet Muhammad ﷺ • madinah
The Story
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sitting with his companions when a stranger arrived. He did not look as though he had been travelling. Yet nobody there recognized him. Who was this man?
The visitor sat close to the Prophet and asked about Islam. The Prophet explained that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger. He spoke about praying, giving zakat to help people in need, and fasting in Ramadan. And Hajj: a special journey to Makkah, for those able to go. The visitor said the answer was right.
The companions were puzzled. The man was asking questions… but he seemed to know the answers already! Why was he asking?
The visitor also asked how to worship Allah well. The Prophet explained: worship Allah remembering that He sees you, even though you cannot see Him. The man asked more questions. Then he left.
Some time passed. The Prophet asked his companion Umar if he knew who the visitor was. Umar did not know. He trusted Allah and His Messenger to know the answer. Then the Prophet revealed who the stranger was. Jibril. An angel!
An angel who looked like a man? Yes. Jibril had appeared in human form. He had come to help the companions learn about Allah and how to worship Him. Now the strange questions made sense. The visitor already knew the answers. He was helping everyone else learn.
Dua of the Week: A Dua for Useful Knowledge
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi‘an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan.
"O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that benefits me, good provision, and deeds You accept."
A dua for useful learning and good actions, reported with the morning prayer in Sunan Ibn Majah 925. We can learn it alongside this story.
Family Discussion
The visitor’s questions helped everyone learn. What question would you like to ask about something you’re curious about?
Good Deed Challenge
Your turn to ask! Ask someone at home one question you’ve been wondering about, then listen to their answer. You might both discover something new.