Understanding the Divine Presence
Angels, those esteemed and virtuous servants of Allah, embody His grandeur and might. Crafted from luminosity, their multitude is beyond measure. During the Prophet Muhammad's ascent to the heavens, he was granted a vision of al-Bayt al-Maʿmūr. There, 70,000 angels engage in daily prayers, unable to return upon departure. The vastness of their numbers is staggering. The Prophet ﷺ also disclosed, "I perceive what you cannot. The heavens reverberate, justly so. Not even a space of four fingers is void of an angel bowing to Allah" (Tirmidhī).
Angels display varying wingspans—some with two, others with three, four, or more. During the Night of Miʿrāj, the Prophet ﷺ glimpsed Jibrīl (ʿalayhis-salām) by the Lote Tree, adorned with 600 wings, shedding iridescent pearls and rubies. Extending these wings would span the sky-earth distance. Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ shared insight about an angel with a colossal presence, bridging the lowest earth and Allah's Throne. Overwhelmed by Allah's greatness, this angel incessantly praises, "How Perfect are You! How Magnificent are You, Our Lord!" (Ṭabarānī).
Despite immense proportions and strength, angels persistently glorify and worship Allah (ʿazza wa jall). Allah declares, "And those closest to Him are not too proud to worship Him; they glorify Him day and night, unwavering" (21:19-20). Astonishingly, on the Day of Judgment, they will acknowledge Allah, saying, "How Perfect are You! We did not worship You as You deserved."
Contemplating angelic magnificence amplifies reverence for their Creator—Allah—enabling us to acknowledge and esteem Him fittingly.
In an orderly array, angels dutifully fulfill distinct assignments. Jibrīl—the foremost among them—transmits Allah's words to the Prophet ﷺ. This divine guidance, conveyed through him, is our compass. Gratitude to Allah deepens as we reflect upon this invaluable role.
Angels: Our Attendants
Each of us is accompanied by two angels who record our deeds—both virtuous and otherwise. Allah reveals, "But verily over you (are appointed angels) to watch you, kind and honorable, writing down (your deeds)" (82:10-12). Embracing this truth and its constant awareness heightens fear of Allah, deterring transgressions, be it in public or solitude.
Mercifully, angels delay recording a Muslim's sin for six intervals. If repentance follows, they absolve it; if not, it is documented as one sin (Ṭabarānī).
Angelic guardians shield our bodies and souls from harm, as Allah states, "For each one there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: They guard him by command of Allah" (13:11). Imagine if a human offered such unwavering protection—surely, gratitude would flow. Hence, we should earnestly thank Allah for His watchful care.
The fewer a servant's transgressions, the more shayṭān retreats, while the guardian angel grows nearer, ultimately embracing responsibility. Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) hails this angel as the servant's most advantageous companion, assuring, guiding, and inspiring. This angel defends, dispels foes, promises good, and affirms truth.
Angels: Allies of Righteousness
Angels cherish the righteous, craving Allah's remembrance. Special angels seek gatherings of dhikr, crowding them until wings interlock, spanning earth and sky. They also convey the Ummah's salām to the Prophet ﷺ.
On Jumuʿah, angels by the mosque entrances record initial attendees. They then attend the sermon upon the imām's arrival. Dedicated worshippers, referred to as 'pillars,' receive angelic companions who aid, inquire, and offer assistance.
Angels revere the Qur’ān and descend during its recitation. They stand behind us in prayer, saying Āmīn during Sūrah al-Fātiḥah and guarding us while reciting Āyah al-Kursī before sleep.
Embracing the Qur’ān aligns us with angels, as the Prophet ﷺ affirms, "Proficiency in the Qur’ān accompanies the 'righteous and noble angel-scribes'" (Bukhārī). During prayer, an angel listens closely, with proximity enhancing connection. Thus, cleanse your mouth before reciting Qur’ān (Bazzār).
Purity appeals to angels, mirroring their nature. The Prophet ﷺ advised against approaching the masjid after consuming onions or garlic, as angels abhor human offenses. Angels stand by those sleeping in a state of wuḍū throughout the night, supplicating for their forgiveness.
Angels aid the knowledge-seekers, attend righteous funerals, support believers in battles, and uphold steadfastness.
Angelic Prayers
Angels implore Allah's blessings for believers, notably due to:
• Interceding for absent brethren.
• Pursuing and disseminating knowledge.
• Sleeping with wuḍū.
• Visiting the sick.
• Almsgiving.
• Praying in the first row.
• Praying on the right side.
• Remaining seated post-prayer.
• Sending ṣalawāt to the Prophet ﷺ.
• Consuming pre-dawn meal (suḥūr).
A Higher Purpose
Īmān in angels must amplify awe and reverence for Allah. The ever-present angels, noting our deeds, should discourage sinful inclinations. Their presence humbles us, underscoring our disregard for Allah's rights. If angels, who serve Allah unfailingly, question their sufficiency, how much more should we?
Such belief should amplify our affection for Allah, considering how many angels He deploys to care for us—protecting and supplicating. Contemplating angels near Allah's Throne, perpetually seeking our welfare, should engender boundless love. This realization should both console and inspire us, curbing sinfulness and urging virtuous deeds. This way, angels become our cherished allies, and we reap their companionship's full benefits.
An Eternal Bond
As angels accompany us through life, they're also present in our journey to the hereafter. They will reassure steadfast believers, proclaiming, "Fear not, nor grieve. Rejoice in Paradise's promise. We are your friends, here and hereafter. Desires shall be fulfilled, requests granted: a welcome gift from the Most Merciful" (41:30-2). May Allah al-Karīm grant us angelic friendship, admit us to Paradise, and align us with those greeted by angels at every heavenly gate (13:23-4).
masha allah
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