About the Book
Shaikh Salih al-Fawzan (hafidahullah) writes in his treatise, al-Eeman
bil-Malaaikah wa-Athruhu fi-Hayatil-Ummah,
“Belief in the Angels has a tremendous effect on human life because if one is
aware of their presence (around him), he becomes alert.
If he knows that there are angels assigned to watch over him day and night,
he becomes cautious that they may write something (that he says or does)
which is not befitting (and not in the best interest of his well-being in the
hereafter.
If he were to know that investigators were following him, would he not be
cautious - fearing that they might take hold of some speech or action which
might lead to a harmful outcome? So why is he not cautious of the Angels? You
see the humans who may be following you and you can hide from them… but
Angels see you while you do not see them. It is possible to escape (from the
eyes) of humans by taking cover in your house, or hiding yourself in an
unknown place and they will not know about you. But the Angels enter every
place with you. Allah has bestowed upon them the ability to access any place
that He orders them to reach and it is for this reason that Allah admonished
us and said, “But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of
mankind) to watch you, Kiraman (honorable) Katibeen (writing down your
deeds). They know all that you do.” [Soorah al-Infitar (82): 10-12]
This is the fruit of Eeman (belief) in Angels - that the person safeguards
himself from sinful sayings and actions that will be recorded (in his book of
deeds) and he will be accountable for them on the Day of Judgement.” [end
quote]
This booklet comprehensively covers all four aspects of Belief in Angels;
belief in their existence, functions, names and attributes. Additionally,
important points of Tawheed are highlighted by refuting incorrect
understandings, for example the false claims of contemporary
grave-worshippers that are similar to those made by the pagan Quraish during
the time of Allah’s Messenger.
In the course of the booklet, clarification of a number of doubts have also
been included such as explaining Qur'aanic verses like, “We are nearer to
him than his jugular vein...” This refers to the Angels of Allah and does
not indicate that Allah is present amongst His creation.
The booklet also compares the likeness in the thinking of those who claim
that Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was created from Nur (i.e., light,
which is a characteristic of the Angels) and the mentality of the
disbelievers who demanded that an Angel be sent as a Messenger.
The latter section of the booklet enumerates characteristics of those
fortunate people, on behalf of whom the Angels seek forgiveness and
supplicate for their well-being in this world and the Hereafter. It also
lists those unfortunate people, against whom the Angels invoke Allah.
This part of the book is mainly based upon the book, 'Fariston ka Darood
panewale aur Lanat panewale' (Urdu) by Dr. Fazl-e-Ilahi.
Numerous other original Arabic books were referred to in the compilation of
this booklet, mainly; al-Eeman bil-Malaaikah wa-Athruhu fi-Hayatil-Ummah
by Shaikh Salih Ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan, Aalam al-Malaai'kah al-Abrar and
ar-Rusul war-Risalaat by Shaikh Umar al-Ashqar, beneficial lectures of
Shaikh (Dr.) Abdullah al-Farsi, Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Riyadus-Saliheen and
others.
May Allah make us amongst those who deserve the Salaat of His Angels. All
strength and success lies with Him Alone.
Shawana A. Aziz
