Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "I saw my Lord in a very beautiful form. Allah Almighty asked me: 'What are the chief angels disputing about?' I said: 'I do not know.' Then Allah Almighty placed His hand between my shoulders and I felt the coolness of His fingers. Then He asked: 'What are the chief angels discussing?' I said: 'About expiations and ranks.' Allah Almighty asked: 'What are expiations?' I said: 'Performing ablution properly, walking to the congregational prayers (towards the mosques), and waiting for one prayer after another.' Allah Almighty asked: 'What is meant by ranks?' I said: 'Feeding others, spreading greetings widely, and praying at night when people are asleep.' Then Allah Almighty said: 'Say.' I said: 'What should I say?' Allah Almighty said: 'Say: «اللهمّ! إنِّي أسألك عَمَلاً بالحسناتِ، وتركاً للمنكراتِ، وإذا أردتَ في قومٍ فتنةً وأنا فيهم؛ فاقبضني إليكَ غيرَ مفتونٍ» O Allah! I ask You for the ability to do good deeds and to abstain from evil deeds, and when You wish to put people to trial and I am present there, then grant me death while protecting me from the trial.'"