What Gabriel (a.s.) Heard

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Once, the archangel Gabriel (a.s.) was soaring in the heavens and he heard a voice saying, “Ya Rabb,” meaning, “My Cherisher,” or “My Sustainer,” over and over. 

Then he heard a Reply from the Divine Saying, “Labbayk!” meaning, “Here I am, My slave!” 

This voice kept repeating, “Ya Rabb” and the Answer was heard every time, and Gabriel (a.s.) wondered whose voice this was, seeking for his Lord in the dark of the night.  He gazed into the heavens, and he saw where it was coming from.  There was a glow, and this voice was coming from there, so Gabriel (a.s.) went closer.  He wanted to see who this person was.  He found this voice coming from inside a temple.  There was an old man sitting alone, before a huge fire, and saying, “Ya Rabb” while Allah (s.w.t.) was still Answering his calls. 

Gabriel (a.s.) thought this was wrong.  This man was not asking from Allah (s.w.t.); he was worshiping the fire, and calling it his Lord.  So, the mighty angel spread all his wings wide, and he dived down towards the temple.  He wanted to fly over the temple and take away its roofs; he wanted to destroy the temple while sparing the old man but suddenly he heard Allah (s.w.t.) Say, “Gabriel, Stop!” 

Gabriel (a.s.) turned around towards the heavens and said, “O my Lord, this man is worshiping and calling on the fire, not You.  He does not recognise You.” 

Then Allah (s.w.t.) Said, “Yes, Gabriel.  My slave has lost Me.  But I have never lost him.”