مسند امام احمد بن حنبل · Hadith 3864

It was narrated from Ishaq bin Abil-Kahtalah: Muhammad said: I think it was narrated from Ibn Mas'ood that he said: Muhammad did not see Jibreel in his real form except on two occasions. On one occasion he asked him to show himself in his real form, so he showed him his real form and he filled the horizon. On the other occasion, it was when he ascended with him (to heaven). [Allah said:] "While he [Jibreel (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, (Tafsecr Ibn Katheer). Then he [Jibreel (Gabriel)] approached and came closer. And was at a distance of two bows' length or (even) nearer. So (Allah) revealed to His slave [Muhammad (PBUH) through Jibreel (Gabriel)] whatever He revealed" [an-Najm 53:7-10], When Jibreel came close to his Lord, he went back to his real form and prostrated. [And Allah says:] "And indeed he (Muhammad (PBUH)) saw him [Jibreel (Gabriel)] at a second descent (i.e. another time). Near Sidratul-Muntaha (a lote tree of the utmost boundary over the seventh heaven beyond w'hich none can pass). Near it is the Paradise of Abode. When that covered the lote tree which did cover it! The sight (of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)) turned not aside (right or left), nor it transgressed beyond the limit (ordained for it). Indeed he (Muhammad (PBUH)) did see of the Greatest Signs, of his Lord (Allah)" [an-Najm 53:13-18], he [Ibn Mas'ood] said: Jibreel's real form.