I came across this during the week and it really really inspired me. It is from the writings of Shaykh ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwarullah Farooqui (RadiAllahu Anhu). His angle of view is impressive. Source: http://www.ziaislamic.com/English/Interfaces/ArticleUrduDet.asp?ids=116 "Once Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), he put both his hands on his thighs and sat down in front of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Then he asked questions about Iman, Islam and Ihsan and about Qiyamah and the establishment of the Qiyamah. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gave him answers. After he went away, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told the Sahabah: It was Jibrail (Peace be upon him), he came to teach your religion to you.” The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said that he came to teach your religion to you. The question is what is meant here by teaching religion ? Jibrail (Peace be upon him) did not teach the Sahabah anything from the rules and regulations of Islam. It was the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) who explained these things through his answers. Then what did Jibrail (Peace be upon him) teach? The answer is clear. Jibrail (Peace be upon him) came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) with utmost respect and only placed his request before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). He taught the entire Ummah how to come before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and how to request Him for something. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) declared this respect and reverence as Deen and told the Sahabah: It was Jibrail (Peace be upon him) who came to teach your Deen to you. May Allah the Exalted, for the sake of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) guide all the Muslims to respect and revere the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and to follow the rules of Islam. "