Takhrij Hadith 384: "My Lord, Mighty and Sublime…"

My Lord, Mighty and Sublime is He, came to me tonight in the most beautiful form — I believe he meant in a dream — and said: 'O Muhammad, do you know what the Highest Assembly (the angels) are disputing about?' I said: 'No.' The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) continued: 'So He placed His hand between my shoulder until I felt its coolness deep in my chest — or he said: my throat — and I came to know everything that is in the heavens and everything that is on the earth. Then He said: 'O Muhammad, do you know what the Highest Assembly are disputing about?' I replied: 'Yes, they are disputing about the expiations and the degrees.' He said: 'And what are the expiations and the degrees?' I replied: 'Remaining in the mosques after the prayers, walking on foot to the congregational prayers, and perfecting the ablution under difficult conditions. Whoever does that will live a good life, die a good death, and will be as free from his sins as the day his mother bore him. And say, O Muhammad, when you pray: O Allah, I ask You for the doing of good deeds, the leaving of evil deeds, and the love of the poor. And if You intend a trial for Your servants, take me to You before I am afflicted by it.' He said: 'And the degrees are: providing food to others, spreading the greeting of peace, and praying at night while people are asleep.