Muhammad bin Sirin (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates that Jibreel (peace be upon him) and Mikaeel (peace be upon him) descended to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Mikaeel (peace be upon him) said: "Recite on one mode!" Jibreel (peace be upon him) said: "Ask for more from them!" So the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) requested for more, and it was said: "Recite on two modes!" Then Jibreel (peace be upon him) said: "Ask for more!" So it was said: "Recite on three modes!" This continued until the number reached seven modes, and it was said: "Recite on seven modes!" Then the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) became silent, and both angels also became silent.
Hadith Referenceسنن سعید بن منصور / كتاب التفسير / 55
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:الحديث سنده ضعيف لإرساله، وفي متنه مخالفة للأحاديث الصحيحة في كون القائل: ((اقرأ)) هو ميكائيل، بينما الصحيح أن القائل ذلك هو جبريل كما سيأتي.