Special Relationship with God Almighty
Hazrat Ubayy (ra) bin Kaab also had a special relationship with God Almighty. It is written in Bukhari that on one occasion the Holy Prophet (sa) said to him, “God Almighty has ordered me to recite the Quran to you.” The Holy Prophet (sa) said to his companion that God Almighty had instructed that Ubayy bin Kaab recite the Quran to him. Hazrat Ubayy bin Kaab asked in astonishment, “Has God Almighty mentioned me by name? Has the Lord and Master of the Universe mentioned me by name and instructed you to recite the Quran to me?” The Holy Prophet (sa) replied: “Yes, he has mentioned you by name.” Upon hearing this Ubayy bin Kaab became overwhelmed with emotions and began to cry. Nevertheless, the Holy Prophet (sa) recited the Surah of “Lam Yakunilladhina Kafaru…” (Surah Al-Bayinah).
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab Tafsir Al-Quran, Bab “Kallaa La In-Lam Yantahi”, Hadith 4960-4961)
Sometime later, when someone asked Ubayy bin Kaab, “On hearing this, you must surely have felt overjoyed”, he replied, “If God Almighty has stated for one to be delighted with His blessings and mercy, then why would I not be overjoyed.”
(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 1, p. 111, Al-Mizan Nashiran Wa Tajiran Lahore)