The Prophet Mohammed ﷺ

A significant Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ states:

“Allah revealed to me a knowledge and commanded me to spread it — this is Islam.
Moreover, I was chosen before all other prophets and messengers to receive a knowledge intended for the elect — this is Iman.
Finally, He revealed to me a knowledge for the elect of the elect, which is to be kept secret — this is Ihsan.”

This statement is further supported by the following Hadith, transmitted by Sayyiduna ʿUmar ibn al‑Khattab:

“One day, while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, a man appeared before us wearing very white clothes and with very black hair. No trace of travel was visible on him, and none of us knew him. He came up, sat down in front of the Prophet ﷺ, leaned his knees against his, placed his palms on his thighs, and said:
‘O Muhammad, teach me about Islam!’
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied:
‘Islam is to bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give zakah, to fast during Ramadan, and to perform Hajj to the House of Allah — the Kaʿba — if you are able.’
The man said, ‘You have spoken the truth!’ We were amazed that he asked and then immediately confirmed the answer.
Then he said, ‘Now teach me about Iman!’
The Messenger ﷺ replied:
‘Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree, both good and bad.’
The man said, ‘You have spoken the truth! Now teach me about Ihsan!’
The Messenger ﷺ said:
‘Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him; and even though you do not see Him, He sees you.’”

This Hadith is also known as the “Hadith of Jibril”, as it was the angel Jibril (عليه السلام) who appeared in human form to teach the companions..