Harut and Marut:
- They were sent to Babylon. to test people with magic knowledge.
- This was a test for humanity. They taught magic.
- But they warned against misuse.
- Their story reminds us that knowledge can be misused.
- We must always choose the good.
- Mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102).
وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ مَا تَتْلُوا۟ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَـٰنَ ۖ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يُعَلِّمُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ ٱلسِّحْرَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَى ٱلْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَـٰرُوتَ وَمَـٰرُوتَ ۚ وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَآ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌۭ فَلَا تَكْفُرْ ۖ فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِۦ بَيْنَ ٱلْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِهِۦ ۚ وَمَا هُم بِضَآرِّينَ بِهِۦ مِنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمْ ۚ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا۟ لَمَنِ ٱشْتَرَىٰهُ مَا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَـٰقٍۢ ۚ وَلَبِئْسَ مَا شَرَوْا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَنفُسَهُمْ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ ١٠٢
Instead, during Solomon’s reign, they adhered to the magic that the devils propagated. Solomon didn’t ever doubt; instead, the devils did. Together with the revelations given to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, in Babylon, they taught magic to the populace. Never once did the two angels instruct anyone without stating, “Do not give up on your faith; we are merely a test for you.
Even though their magic could only hurt people by Allah’s will, people nevertheless learned ʹmagic˺ that caused a gap ʹeven˺ between husband and wife.
Even though they previously knew that anyone who believes in magic will not be allowed to enter the Hereafter, they discovered what hurt them and did not help them. The price they paid for selling their souls was really pitiful.
(al-baqarah/102)
Hafaza Angels: Our Dedicated Guardian Companions
- These angels are truly guardian angels.
- They guard you during sleep, travel, and daily life.
- They shield individuals from harm.
- This happens by Allah’s direct permission.
- Hence, they act like unseen bodyguards.
- They protect us daily from many dangers.
- For instance, they may divert accidents.
- They might protect from unexpected falls.
- Furthermore, their presence brings comfort.
- It reinforces Allah’s constant care for us.
- Indeed, their guardianship is a divine mercy.
- They remain with us throughout our lives.
- They never leave their post.
Quran Reference
لَهُۥ مُعَقِّبَـٰتٌۭ مِّنۢ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِۦ يَحْفَظُونَهُۥ مِنْ أَمْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ
“Each has a succession of angels before and behind him. They guard him by Allah’s command.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11)
- Their duty is a reminder.
- You are never alone.
Mu’aqqibat — Angels Who Work in Shifts
- These angels watch over you, one group by day and another by night.
- They rotate their tasks without a break.
- Some stay with you.
- Others rise to Allah, carrying your deeds.
- They record what you do.
- And they witness your prayers.
- Hence, they are part of the Kiraman Katibin.
- They work tirelessly, without rest.
Hadith Reference
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ يَتَعَاقَبُونَ فِيكُمْ مَلاَئِكَةٌ بِاللَّيْلِ وَمَلاَئِكَةٌ بِالنَّهَارِ وَيَجْتَمِعُونَ فِي صَلاَةِ الْفَجْرِ وَصَلاَةِ الْعَصْرِ ثُمَّ يَعْرُجُ الَّذِينَ بَاتُوا فِيكُمْ فَيَسْأَلُهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِمْ كَيْفَ تَرَكْتُمْ عِبَادِي فَيَقُولُونَ تَرَكْنَاهُمْ وَهُمْ يُصَلُّونَ وَأَتَيْنَاهُمْ وَهُمْ يُصَلُّونَ .
The angels alternate among you. Then they ascend and Allah asks: ‘How did you leave My servants? They say: We left them while they were praying, and we came to them while they were praying.
Sahih Muslim 632a
- Their rotation shows your life is watched, always.
- Therefore, we are never truly alone.
- This encourages constant awareness.
Zabaniyah — Guardians of Hellfire
- These are Hell’s enforcers
- They enforce punishment.
- This happens in Hell.
- They carry out Allah’s justice for the rebellious.
- They are stern and strict.
- Knowing about them reminds us of Allah’s justice.
- It urges repentance before it’s too late.
- There are nineteen of them.
Quran Reference
عَلَيْهَا تِسْعَةَ عَشَرَ
Over it are nineteen [angels].
(Surah Al-Muddaththir 74:30).
Darda’il
Darda’il — Angels Who Attend Gatherings
- These angels roam the earth.
- They seek out places where Allah is remembered.
- When they find such a gathering, they stop.
- They surround the group with mercy.
- They call other angels to join.
- Peace fills the place.
- Blessings are spread.
- Even those sitting nearby gain reward.
Hadith Reference:
Hadith 14, 40 Hadith Qudsi
- This shows how important dhikr is.
- You may be sitting quietly, yet earning a reward because of them.
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