Sahih al-Bukhari 6408
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah ‘s Apostle said, “Allah has some angels who look for those who celebrate the Praises of Allah on the roads and paths. And when they find some people celebrating the Praises of Allah, they call each other, saying, “Come to the object of your pursuit.’ ” He added, “Then the angels encircle them with their wings up to the sky of the world.” He added. “(after those people celebrated the Praises of Allah, and the angels go back), their Lord, asks them (those angels)—-though He knows better than them—-‘What do My slaves say?’ The angels reply, ‘They say: Subhan Allah, Allahu Akbar, and Alham-du-li l-lah, Allah then says ‘Did they see Me?’ The angels reply, ‘No! By Allah, they didn’t see You.’ Allah says, How it would have been if they saw Me?’ The angels reply, ‘If they saw You, they would worship You more devoutly and celebrate Your Glory more deeply, and declare Your freedom from any resemblance to anything more often.’ Allah says (to the angels), ‘What do they ask Me for?’ The angels reply, ‘They ask You for Paradise.’ Allah says (to the angels), ‘Did they see it?’ The angels say, ‘No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.’ Allah says, How it would have been if they saw it?’ The angels say, ‘If they saw it, they would have greater covetousness for it and would seek It with greater zeal and would have greater desire for it.’ Allah says, ‘From what do they seek refuge?’ The angels reply, ‘They seek refuge from the (Hell) Fire.’ Allah says, ‘Did they see it?’ The angels say, ‘No By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.’ Allah says, How it would have been if they saw it?’ The angels say, ‘If they saw it they would flee from it with the extreme fleeing and would have extreme fear from it.’ Then Allah says, ‘I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them.”‘ Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) added, “One of the angels would say, ‘There was so-and-so amongst them, and he was not one of them, but he had just come for some need.’ Allah would say, ‘These are those people whose companions will not be reduced to misery.’ “
- This hadith emphasizes the immense reward and forgiveness Allah grants to those who sincerely praise Him, seek His pleasure, and seek refuge from the Hellfire, even though they have not seen Him, Paradise, or the Hellfire. It highlights the profound impact that witnessing these realities would have on their worship, desire for Paradise, and fear of Hell.
Additional Information
In Islamic belief, God (Allah) does not have any needs or dependencies. He is self-sufficient and self-sustaining. The concept of angels serving Allah does not imply a necessity on His part but rather highlights the hierarchy and order in the divine realm. Angels are created beings with specific roles and responsibilities assigned by Allah. They carry out various tasks, such as delivering messages to prophets, recording human deeds, or fulfilling specific functions in the universe. Their existence and service to Allah reflect His supreme power and divine decree. While Allah is all-knowing and does not require angels to inform Him about anything, the angels’ actions serve other purposes. They glorify and praise Allah, fulfill His commands, and play a role in the functioning of the universe according to His will. The presence of angels also serves as a means for human beings to witness and understand the unseen realm, enhancing their faith and spiritual development. In summary, Allah’s use of angels is not due to a need on His part, but rather a manifestation of His wisdom, power, and divine plan.
