Salvation in Islam (part 2 of 3): Worship and Obey God

 

In part 1 of this series ‘Salvation in Islam’, we learnt that salvation is attained by worshipping the One God.  We worship Him alone and we follow His commandments.  We also learnt that Islam does not recognise the concept of original sin, thus Muslims believe that all people are born sin-free.  In the following article we will discuss the Christian concept of atonement, that is, Jesus dying for the sins of humankind, and we will discover that this concept is totally rejected by Islam.  Salvation in Islam is through tawheed, monotheism. Tawheed is an Arabic word that means oneness, and when we talk about tawheed in relation to God it means realising and affirming God’s oneness.  It is the belief that God is One, without partner or associate.  There is no god worthy of worship but Allah, and this is the foundation of Islam.  To profess such a belief along with the belief that Muhammad is His messenger is what makes a person Muslim.  To believe in tawheed with certainty is what guarantees salvation. “Say (O Muhammad): He is Allah (God), (the Unique) One.  Allah, the Eternal (Foundation).  He begets not, nor was He begotten; and there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” (Quran 112) “Verily!  I am Allah!  None has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me…” (Quran 20:14) “He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth.  How can He have children when He has no wife?   He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything.  Such is Allah, your Lord!  La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things.  So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, over all things.  No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision.  He is the Most Subtle and Courteous, Well Acquainted with all things.” (Quran 6:101-103) Muslims worship God alone without any intermediaries, He has no partners, associates, sons, daughters, or helpers.  Worship is directed solely to God, for He is the only One worthy of worship.  There is nothing greater than God. The Christian belief that Jesus is the son of God or God himself is in direct opposition to tawheed.  The concept of a Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is also firmly rejected by Islam.  The idea that Jesus atoned (or saved our souls) by dying is a concept completely at loggerheads with Islamic belief. “O people of the Scripture!  Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of God anything but the truth.  The Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, was a Messenger of God and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary and a spirit created by Him; so believe in God and His Messengers.  Say not, ‘Trinity!’  Cease; it is better for you!  For God is One God, far removed is He from every imperfection, Far Exalted is He above having a son.  To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth.  And God is All Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.” (Quran 4:171) The idea of Jesus dying on the cross is central to the Christian belief.  It represents the conviction that Jesus died for the sins of humankind.  In other words a person’s sins have been ‘paid’ for by Jesus, and one is free to do as he pleases, for in the end he will attain salvation by belief in Jesus. This is absolutely rejected in Islam. There is no need for God, or even a Prophet of God to sacrifice himself for humankind’s sins in order to buy forgiveness.  Islam refuses this view entirely.  The foundation of Islam rests on knowing with certainty that nothing should be worshipped but God alone.  Forgiveness emanates from the One True God; so, when a person seeks forgiveness, he must turn to God submissively with true remorse and ask for forgiveness, promising not to repeat the sin.  Then and only then will sins be forgiven by God Almighty. Islam teaches that Jesus did not come to atone for the sins of humankind; rather, his purpose was to reaffirm the message of the Prophets before him. “..  None has the right to be worshipped but God, the One and the Only True God…” (Quran 3:62) The Islamic belief about Jesus’ crucifixion and death is clear.  He did not die to atone for humankind’s sins.  There was a plot to crucify Jesus but it did not succeed; he did not die but rather ascended into heaven.  In the last days leading up to the Day of Judgement, Jesus will return to this world and continue to spread the belief in the Oneness of God. The Quran tells us that on the Day of Judgement Jesus will deny ever asking the people to worship him instead of, or along with God. “And (remember) when God will say (on the Day of Resurrection): ‘Jesus, son of Mary! Did you say unto men: Worship me and my mother as two gods besides God?’ He will say, ‘Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say).  Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner‑self though I do not know what is in Yours; truly, You, only You, are the All‑Knower of all that is hidden (and unseen).  Never did I say to them aught except what You (God) did command me to say, Worship God, my Lord, and your Lord. And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up (to heaven), You were the Watcher over them; and You are a Witness to all things.” (Quran 5:116-117) God tells us in Quran that there is only one unforgiveable sin, and that is if one dies having associated partners with God and did not repent from it before his death. “Verily, God forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with God in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.” (Quran 4:48) In his traditions Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, informed us that God said, “I am the Self-sufficient, I am in no need of having an associate. Thus he who does an action for someone else’s sake as well as Mine will have that action renounced by Me to him whom he associated with Me”.[1] However, even the grave sin of associating partners with God can be forgiven if one truly turns to God, sincerely and with full repentance. “And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them (till his death).” (Quran 20:82) “Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven.” (Quran 8:38) Every human being can attain salvation by worshipping One God.  Staying connected to God and repenting from mistakes and sins is the road to salvation.  In the next article, we will talk about conditions of repentance.   Footnotes: [1] Saheeh Muslim

 

AN AMERICAN PASTOR’S TALK ABOUT ISLAM . watch it

Salvation in Islam (part 1 of 3): What is Salvation?

 

 

Islam teaches us that salvation is attainable through the worship of God alone.  A person must believe in God and follow His commandments.  This is the same message taught by all the Prophets including Moses and Jesus.  There is only One worthy of worship.  One God, alone without partners, sons, or daughters.  Salvation and thus eternal happiness can be achieved by sincere worship. In addition to this Islam teaches us that human beings are born without sin and are naturally inclined to worship God alone (without any intermediaries).  To retain this state of sinlessness humankind must only follow God’s commandments and strive to live a righteous life.  If one falls into sin, all that is required is sincere repentance followed by seeking God’s forgiveness.  When a person sins he or she pushes themselves away from the mercy of God, however sincere repentance brings a person back to God.   Salvation is a powerful word that the dictionary defines as the act of preservation or deliverance from destruction, difficulty, or evil.  Theologically it is spiritual rescue from sin and its consequences.  More specifically, in Christianity it is associated with redemption and the atonement of Jesus.  Salvation in Islam is a very different concept.  While it does offer deliverance from the fires of hell, it also   rejects some of the basic principles of Christianity and states clearly that salvation is attained only through submission to the most merciful, God. “Those who remember God (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying), “Our Lord!  You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You!  (Exalted are You above all that they associate with You as partners).  Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.” (Quran 3:191) According to Christian doctrine, humankind is considered wayward and sinful.  The doctrine of original sin states that humankind is born already tainted by the sin of Adam and therefore separated from God, and in need of a redeemer.  Islam on the   other hand out rightly rejects the Christian concept of original sin and the notion that humankind is born sinful.  The idea that innocent babies or children are sinful sounds completely absurd to a believer who knows that Islam is about original forgiveness not original sin.  Humankind, according to Islam is born in a state of purity, without sin and naturally inclined to worship and praise God.  However, human beings are also given freewill and are thus capable of making mistakes and committing sins; they are even capable of committing great evil. Whenever a person commits a sin, he alone is responsible for that sin.  Every person is responsible for his or her own actions.  Consequently, no human being who has ever lived is responsible for the mistakes made by Adam and Eve.  God says in the Quran: “And no bearer of burdens shall bear another’s burden.” (Quran 35:18) Adam and Eve made a mistake, they repented sincerely, and God in His infinite wisdom forgave them.  Humankind is not doomed to be punished, generation after generation.  The sins of the father are not visited upon the sons. “Then they both ate of that tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering.  Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray.  Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness and gave him guidance.” (Quran 20:121-122) Above all Islam teaches us that God  is the most forgiving,  and will go on forgiving, repeatedly.  Part of being human is making mistakes.  Sometimes the mistakes are made without deliberation or a bad intention, but sometimes we knowingly and deliberately sin and do wrong to others.  Therefore as human beings, we are constantly in need of forgiveness. The life of this world is fraught with trials and tribulations,  however God did not abandon humankind to theses tests.  God equipped humankind with an intellect and the ability to make choices and decisions.  God also gave us words of guidance.  As our creator, He is well aware of our nature and eager to guide us on the straight path that leads to eternal bliss. The Quran is God’s final revelation and it is applicable for all of humankind; all people, all places, all times.  Throughout the Quran God continually asks us to turn to Him in repentance and ask for His forgiveness.  This is the road to salvation.  This is our rescue from destruction. “And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks God’s forgiveness, he will find God Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 4:10) “And O my people!  Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of God.” (Quran 11:52) “Say: ‘O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)!  Despair not of the Mercy of God, indeed God forgives all sins.  Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” (Quran 39:53) Quran is not only a book of guidance, it is a book of hope.  In it God’s love,  mercy,  and forgiveness are obvious and thus humankind is reminded not to give in to despair.  No matter what sins a person may have committed if he resolutely turns to God, seeking forgiveness his salvation is assured. Prophet Muhammad described sin as black spots covering the heart.  He said,  “Indeed if a believer sins, a black spot covers his heart.  If he repents, stops the sin, and seeks forgiveness for it, his heart becomes clean again.  If he persists (instead of repenting), it increases until it covers his heart…”[1] Salvation in Islam is not required because of the stain of original sin.  Salvation is required because humankind is imperfect and in need of God’s forgiveness and love.  In order to understand the concept of salvation correctly we must understand other topics embedded in salvation.  These are, understanding the importance of tawheed, or the Oneness of God, and knowing how to repent sincerely .  We will discuss these topics in the next two articles. Footnotes: [1] Ibn Majah.

	Next: Salvation in Islam (part

Monotheism – One God

 

The religion of Islam is based on one core belief, that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah.  When a person embraces Islam or a Muslim wants to renew or   confirm his or her faith, they profess their belief that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His final messenger.  Ashadu an la ill laha il Allah wa Ashadu anna Muhammadan  Rasulullah, Saying these words, the Testimony of Faith,   is the first of five pillars or foundations of the religion of Islam.  Belief in God is the first of six pillars of faith.[1]

Muslims believe that there is only One God.  He alone is the Sustainer and Creator of the universe.  He is without partners, children, or associates. He is the Most Merciful, the Most Wise, and the Most Just.  He is the all hearer, all seer, and the all knowing.  He is the First , He is the Last.

“Say (O Muhammad), He is Allah, (the) One.  Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).  He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” (Quran 112)

“He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth.  How can He have children when He has no wife?   He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything.  Such is Allah, your Lord!  La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things.  So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, over all things.  No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision.  He is the Most Subtle and Courteous, Well­ Acquainted with all things.” (Quran 6:101-103)

This belief is sometimes called Monotheism which is derived from the Greek words ‘monos’ meaning only and ‘theos’ meaning  god.  It is a relatively new word in the English language and it is used to denote a supreme being Who is all-powerful, the One who is responsible for life, the One who rewards or punishes.  Monotheism is directly opposed to Polytheism, which is belief in more than one god, and to Atheism, a  disbelief in all deities.

If we were to take into consideration the general meaning of the word ‘monotheism’  Judaism, Christianity, Islam   and  Zoroastrianism,  and some Hindu philosophies  could all be included. However it is, more commonplace to refer to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam  as the  three monotheistic religions and group them together; nonetheless, there are  glaring differences between Christianity and Islam.

The concept of a trinity inherent in most Christian denominations ostensibly includes aspects of plurality.  The belief that one God is some how three divinities (father, son, and holy spirit) contradicts the concept of Monotheism inherent in Islam, where the Oneness of God is unquestionable.  Some Christian groups, including those known as Unitarians believe that God is One and cannot be God and human at the same time.  They take the words of Jesus in John 17:3, “the One True God” literally.  However, the vast majority of Christians do not share this belief.

In the religion of Islam belief in One God, without partners or associates is essential.  It is the focal point of the religion and it is the essence of the Quran.  The Quran calls on humankind to worship God alone and to give up worshipping false gods or associates.  The Quran urges us to look at the wonders of creation and understand God’s greatness and power, and it speaks directly of His names, attributes, and actions.  The Quran commands us to reject anything that is worshipped instead of, or along with God.

“And I (God) created not the jinns and humankind except they should worship Me (Alone).” (Quran 51:56)

Islam is often referred to as  pure monotheism.  It is not adulterated with strange concepts or superstitions.  Belief in One God entails certainty.  Muslims  worship God alone, He has no partners, associates, or helpers.  Worship is directed solely to God, for He is the only One worthy of worship.  There is nothing greater than God Alone.

“Praise and thanks be to God, and peace be on His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)!  Is God better, or (all) that you ascribe as partners (to Him)?” (Of course, God is Better)

Is not He (better than your gods) Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water (rain) from the sky, whereby We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty and delight?  It is not in your ability to cause the growth of their trees. Is there any god with God?  Nay, but they are a people who ascribe equals (to Him)!

Is not He (better than your gods) Who has made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet water).Is there any  god with God?  Nay, but most of them know not.

Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any god with God?  Little is that you remember!

Is not He (better than your gods) Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain)?  Is there any god  with God?  High Exalted be God above all that they associate as partners (to Him)!

Is not He (better than your so-called gods) Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it, and Who provides for you from heaven and earth?  Is there any god with God?  Say, “Bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful.” (Quran 27:59-64)

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Footnotes:

[1] The six pillars of faith are  belief  in God, His angels, His prophets and messengers, all His revealed books, the Day of Judgement, and divine decree.

Angels (part 3 of 3): Guarded by Angels

 

 

Muslims believe that angels play an active part in the lives of human beings.  This begins soon after conception and continues until the moment of death.  Angels and human beings even interact in the afterlife.  Angels usher people into Paradise and guard the gates of Hell.  Belief in the angels is one of the fundamental beliefs of Islam.

From the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, we understand that a few months after conception life is breathed into it by the permission of God.  An angel then writes the answer to four questions in this human being’s book of deeds.  Will it be male or female?  Will this person be happy or sad?  How long will his or her life span be, and will this person perform good or bad deeds?[1]

There are angels responsible for guarding people throughout their lives.

“For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him.  They guard him by the Command of God.” (Quran 13:10)

Each person has been assigned two recording angels.  These angels have honourable scribes and their duty is to write down all the good and bad deeds.

“. . . and He sends guardians (angels guarding and writing all of one’s good and bad deeds) over you . . .” (Quran 6:61)

“Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private counsel?  (Yes We do) and Our Messengers (appointed angels in charge of humankind) are by them, to record.” (Quran 43:80)

“(Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions).  Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (Quran 50:17-18)

“But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of humankind) to watch you,Kiraaman (honourable) kaatibeen – writing down (your deeds).” (Quran 82:10-11)

The angels record in an honourable yet strict manner.  Not a single word is left unrecorded.  However, as always, God’s mercy is evident.  Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, explained that God has defined and given details about the methodology of recording good and evil deeds.  “Whoever intended to do a good deed, but did not do it, it is written for him as a complete good deed.  If he actually performed the good deed then it is written as ten good deeds, or up to seven hundred times or more.  If a person intended to do an evil deed, but did not do it, it is written as a good deed, while if he entertained the thought and acted on it, it is written as a single evil deed.”[2]

The renowned Islamic scholar Ibn Kathir commented on Quran 13:10-11  by saying, “Each person has angels who take turns in guarding him by night and day, who protect him from evil and from accidents, just as other angels take turns in recording his deeds, good and bad, by night and by day.”

“Two angels, on the right and the left, record his deeds.  The one on the right writes down good deeds and the one on his left writes down evil deeds.  Two other angels guard him and protect him, one from behind, and one from in front.  So there are four angels by day and four others by night.”

Apart from the four angels constantly with each human being, guarding, and recording, other angels continually visit human beings.  In his traditions, Prophet Muhammad reminds his followers that they are constantly being visited by angels.  He said, “Angels come to you in succession by night and day and all of them get together at the time of the Fajr (early morning) and Asr (afternoon) prayers.  Those who have passed the night with you (or stayed with you) ascend (to the Heaven) and God asks them, though He knows everything about you well, “In what state did you leave my slaves?”  The angels reply: “When we left them they were praying and when we reached them, they were praying.”[3]  They gather to witness the prayer and listen to the recited verses of Quran.

It can therefore be understood that angels are very much involved with the life of human beings and this interaction does not end when the angel of death removes the soul, nor does it end after the angels question the deceased person is his grave[4].  Angels are the gatekeepers of Paradise.

“And those who kept their duty to their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups, till, when they reach it, its gates will be opened and its keepers will say: Assalamu alaikum (May God’s peace be upon you!).  You have done well, so enter here, to abide therein.” (Quran 39:73)

“And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying), “Assalamu Alaikum (May God’s peace be upon you) for you persevered in patience!  Excellent indeed is the final home!” (Quran13:23)

Angels are also the gatekeepers of Hell.

“And what will make you know exactly what Hell-fire is?  It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)!  Burning the skins!  Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell).  And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their number only as a trial for the disbelievers – in order that the People of the Scripture may arrive at a certainty and the believers may increase in Faith.” (Quran74:27-31)

God created the angels from light.  They are unable to disobey God and follow His orders without flinching or hesitating.  Angels worship God.  It is their sustenance.  These noble creatures play a significant role in the life of human beings.  They guard and protect, record and report, and gather with human beings who remember God.

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Footnotes:

[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari

[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim

[3] Ibid.

[4] See part 2

Angels (part 2 of 3): God bestowed might and power upon the angels

 

 

Angels are beings created by God, from light.  They carry out the duties prescribed for them without flinching or hesitating.  Muslims gain their understanding of angels from the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad.  In part one we established that angels are beautiful winged creatures, which come in various sizes and by the permission of God, are able to change their form.  The angels have names and duties they are required to perform.

The name most familiar to Muslims and non-Muslims alike is Gabriel (Jibreel). The angel Gabriel is referred to in both Jewish and Christian traditions as an archangel and messenger of God, and he[1]  holds great status in all three monotheistic religions.

“Verily, this is the Word (this Quran brought by) an honourable messenger (Gabriel), from God to the Prophet Muhammad.  Owner of power, and high rank with (God, the Lord of the Throne).  Obeyed (by the angels), trustworthy there in the heavens.” (Quran 81:19-21)

Gabriel brought down the words of God – the Quran – to Prophet Muhammad.

“…Jibreel – for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by God’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings to those who believe”. (Quran 2:87)

Michael (Mikaeel) is the angel responsible for rain and Israfeel is the angel who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgement.  These three are from the greatest of the angels due to the great importance of their duties. Each of their duties deals with an aspect of life. Angel Gabriel brought the Quran from God to Prophet Muhammad, and the Quran nourishes the heart and the soul. Angel Michael is responsible for the rain, and it nourishes the earth and thus our physical bodies, Angel Israfeel is responsible for the blowing of the trumpet and it signals the beginning of life everlasting, either in Paradise or in Hell.

When Prophet Muhammad rose in the night to pray he would begin his prayer with the words, “O God, Lord of Jibreel, Mikaeel and Israfeel, Creator of heaven and earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen. You are the Judge of the matters in which Your slaves differ.  Guide me with regard to disputed matters of Truth by Your permission, for You guide whomever You will to the Straight Path.”[2]

We also know the names of several other angels.` Malik, is the angel known as the gatekeeper of Hell. “They [the people in Hell] will cry: ‘O Malik! Would that your Lord put an end to us!’. . .” (Quran 43:77) Munkar and Nakeer are the angels responsible for questioning people in their graves. We know these names and understand that we will be questioned by angels in the grave as is mentioned in  the traditions of Prophet Muhammad.

“When the deceased is buried, there come to him two blue-black angels, one of whom is called Munkar and the other Nakeer. They ask him, ‘What did you used to say about this man?’ and he says what he used to say: ‘He is the slave and Messenger of God: I bear witness that there is no god except God and that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of God. They say, ‘We knew beforehand that you used to say this.’ Then his grave will be widened for him to a size of seventy cubits by seventy cubits and it will be illuminated for him. Then they tell him, ‘Sleep.’ He says, ‘Go back to my family and tell them.’ They tell him, ‘Sleep like a bridegroom whom no-one will wake up except his most beloved,’ until God raises him up...”[3]

In Quran we find the story of two angels named Haroot and Maroot, who were sent to Babylon to teach the people magic.  The use of magic is forbidden in Islam but these angels were sent as a test for the people.  Before revealing or teaching magic Haroot and Maroot clearly warned the inhabitants of Babylon that they were sent as a trial, and that the buyers of magic would have no share in the hereafter, i.e. they would go to hell. (Quran 2:102)

Although it is sometimes assumed that the Angel of Death is named Azraeel, there is nothing in Quran or the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad that indicates this.  We do not know the name of the Angel of Death but we do know his duty and that he has assistants.

“Say: “The Angel of Death, who is set over you, will take your souls. Then you shall be brought to your Lord.” (Quran 32:11)

Until when death approaches one of you, Our messengers (i.e. the Angel of Death and his assistants) take his soul, and they never neglect their duty. Then they are returned to God, their Master, the Just Lord.” (Quran 6:61-62)

There are a group of Angels who travel throughout the world, seeking out people remembering God. From the traditions of Prophet Muhammad we know that, “God has angels who travel the highways seeking out the people of remembrance.  When they find people remembering God, they call out to one another, “Come to what you hunger for!” and they enfold them with their wings, stretching up to the lowest heaven. Their Lord asked then, and He knows better than them, “What are My slaves saying?” They say: “They are glorifying, magnifying, praising and extolling You.” He asks, “Have they seen Me?” They say, “No, by God, they have not seen You.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw Me?” They say, “They would be even more fervent and devoted in their praise and worship.” He asks, “What are they asking me for?” They say, “They ask You for Paradise.” He asks, “And have they seen it?” They say, “No, by God, O Lord, they have not seen it.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw it?” They say: “They would be even more eager for it and they would beseech You even more earnestly.” He asks, “And what do they seek My protection from?” They say, “From the Fire of Hell.” He asks, “Have they seen it?” They say, “No, by God, they have not seen it.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw it?” They say: “They would be even more afraid and anxious to escape it.” God says: “You are My witnesses that I have forgiven them.” One of the angels says: “So-and-so is not really one of them; he came (to the gathering) for some other reason.” Allah says, “They were all in the gathering, and one of them will not be excluded (from forgiveness).”[4]

Muslims believe that angels have special duties to perform pertaining to human beings. They guard and protect them, and two angels write down good and bad deeds. They witness prayers and one is even responsible for the foetuses in wombs.  In part three we will go into more detail and describe the associations between angels and human beings.

 

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Footnotes:

[1] The use of the term he is for grammatical ease and in no way indicates that the angels are male.

[2] Saheeh Muslim

[3] Sunan At Tirmidhi. Abu Isa said: It is a ghareeb hasan hadeeth. It is judged hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 724.

[4] Saheeh Al-Bukhari