The Guardian Angels and Their Role in Our Iman

The Guardian Angels and Their Role in Our Iman: Understanding Their Function in the Life of a Believer

In Islam, belief in angels is an essential part of Iman (faith). The angels are unseen creatures created by Allah (SWT) from light, and they are believed to fulfill specific tasks assigned to them by Allah. They play a vital role in the life of every believer, acting as messengers, protectors, and servants of Allah. Among the various angels mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, the guardian angels (known as Kiraman Katibin) are specifically tasked with recording the deeds of individuals. Their role in a Muslim’s life is significant, influencing both the physical and spiritual aspects of Iman.

The guardian angels are tasked with observing the actions of individuals, recording them, and presenting them before Allah on the Day of Judgment. Their work ensures that every person’s deeds are accurately accounted for, serving as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of living a righteous and pious life. Through their presence and actions, the guardian angels play a vital role in strengthening the faith of a believer and helping them remain mindful of Allah’s watchful gaze over all their actions.

Who Are the Guardian Angels?

The guardian angels are often referred to as Kiraman Katibin (the noble scribes). Their primary role is to record the deeds of every human being. These angels are responsible for documenting both the good and bad actions performed by individuals during their lives. The Quran and Hadith provide us with detailed descriptions of their function, emphasizing their role in maintaining a record of deeds that will be presented before Allah on the Day of Judgment.

The names of these angels are not specifically mentioned in the Quran, but the concept of their presence and their role is clearly established. They are described as two angels, one positioned on the right side and the other on the left side of each individual. The angel on the right records the good deeds, while the angel on the left records the bad deeds. This divine record-keeping system ensures that every individual’s actions are accounted for, with complete accuracy and justice.

The Role of Guardian Angels in Islam

The role of the guardian angels in Islam is multifaceted and significant in the context of strengthening a believer’s Iman (faith). They are assigned to observe the actions of each individual and record every deed, whether it is good or bad. This continuous observation serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain conscious of Allah and strive for righteousness in all their actions. The role of the guardian angels includes:

Recording the Deeds of Every Individual

One of the primary duties of the guardian angels is to record the deeds of every person. These angels are always present with every individual, recording every action, word, and intention. Every act of worship, every good deed, and even every moment of patience or gratitude is meticulously recorded.

Allah mentions in the Quran:

“And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers, noble and recording; they know whatever you do.”
Arabic:
“وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكُمْ لَحَافِظِينَ كِرَامًا كَاتِبِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ”
(Quran 82:10-12)

This verse emphasizes the constant presence of the guardian angels, who are tasked with recording the actions of individuals. This divine record is crucial, as it will be presented to each person on the Day of Judgment, serving as evidence of their deeds.

The Impact of the Guardian Angels on a Believer’s Iman

The constant presence of the guardian angels has a profound impact on the faith of a believer. The knowledge that Allah’s angels are observing and recording every action reminds Muslims to be mindful of their behavior and to live in accordance with Islamic teachings. This constant reminder encourages believers to engage in righteous actions, refrain from sin, and strive for excellence in their worship of Allah.

“Indeed, Allah is ever over you, watching.”
Arabic:
“إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا”
(Quran 4:1)

This verse serves as a reminder of Allah’s all-encompassing knowledge and the angels’ role in observing and recording human deeds. A believer’s awareness of this can motivate them to maintain high standards of morality and integrity in every aspect of their life.

The Role of Guardian Angels in Protecting the Believer

In addition to recording deeds, the guardian angels also have the responsibility of protecting the believers from harm. They act as protectors sent by Allah to guard the believer from various dangers and misfortunes. The angels’ protection is not limited to physical harm but extends to spiritual guidance, helping the believer to remain firm in their Iman and avoid falling into sin.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained the role of the guardian angels in protecting the believers:

“There is no one among you whom Allah has not assigned a guardian angel to protect them from harm until their appointed time comes.”
Arabic:
“مَا مِنْكُمْ مِّنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا وَلَهُ مَلَكٌ يَحْفَظُهُ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ أَجَلُهُ”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith highlights the special role the guardian angels play in safeguarding the believers, offering a sense of comfort and security in the knowledge that Allah’s divine protection is always present.

The Day of Judgment: The Role of the Guardian Angels in Accountability

The role of the guardian angels becomes even more significant on the Day of Judgment, when they will present the records of the deeds of each individual. Every person will be confronted with the deeds recorded by the angels, and their actions will be evaluated by Allah. The guardian angels will act as witnesses to the person’s deeds, and the outcome of their actions will determine their fate in the Hereafter.

The Book of Deeds

On the Day of Judgment, every individual will receive their book of deeds, which contains a detailed account of all their actions during their lifetime. This book will be given to the person either in their right hand, indicating a positive outcome, or in their left hand, indicating a negative outcome. The guardian angels will testify to the accuracy of the records, and no action, no matter how small, will be overlooked.

“And the record will be placed [before you], and you will see the criminals fearful of what is in it. And they will say, ‘Woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or large except that it has enumerated it?’”
Arabic:
“وَوُضِعَ الْكِتَابُ فَتَرَىٰ الْمُجْرِمِينَ مُشْفِقِينَ مِمَّا فِيهِ وَيَقُولُونَ يَا وَيْلَتَنَا مَا لِهَذَا الْكِتَابِ لَا يُغَادِرُ صَغِيرَةً وَلَا كَبِيرَةً إِلَّا أَحْصَاهَا”
(Quran 18:49)

This verse illustrates the awe and fear that will accompany the believers when they see the comprehensive record of their deeds, recorded by the angels. The complete and accurate nature of this record will leave no doubt as to the fairness of Allah’s judgment.

The Guardian Angels as Witnesses

On the Day of Judgment, the guardian angels will act as witnesses to the deeds of the individuals they were assigned to. They will testify before Allah, confirming the accuracy of the records. This highlights the importance of their role in the divine justice system, as their documentation ensures that every person is judged fairly.

“The angels will say: ‘Our Lord, we have not forsaken them; they have been faithful to their mission. It is Allah who has ordained their actions.’”
Arabic:
“قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ رَبُّنَا مَا كَانُوا لِيَفْعَلُوا إِلَّا مَا أَمَرْتَ”
(Quran 3:115)

This verse reveals the testimony of the angels, where they affirm the righteousness of their tasks and the accuracy of the records they have kept. The believer’s fate will be determined by the actions recorded in the book, and the angels will act as witnesses to the truth of Allah’s judgment.

Strengthening Iman through the Awareness of Guardian Angels

The constant presence of the guardian angels and their role in recording and protecting the deeds of Muslims can significantly strengthen a believer’s Iman. Their role emphasizes the importance of accountability, making every Muslim more conscious of their actions and reminding them to live in accordance with Islamic principles.

Living with Allah’s Watchfulness

The knowledge that the guardian angels are always observing can help believers maintain a constant state of mindfulness. When a Muslim understands that their actions are being recorded and that they will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment, they are more likely to be conscious of their behavior, seeking to avoid sin and pursue righteousness.

“And indeed, We have created man and We know what his soul whispers to him. And We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.”
Arabic:
“وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ”
(Quran 50:16)

This verse underscores Allah’s omnipresence and the angels’ role in recording every whisper of the soul, reminding the believer that their deeds are always under divine observation.

Conclusion: The Guardian Angels as a Source of Motivation for Righteous Living

The guardian angels, with their pivotal role in recording deeds and protecting believers, serve as a constant reminder of Allah’s watchful presence. Their function is not merely to observe but to help the believer stay aligned with their faith and to strengthen their Iman. By understanding the role of these angels, Muslims are encouraged to live lives full of righteousness, knowing that their actions are being recorded and that they will be held accountable in the Hereafter.

This awareness provides a powerful motivation for Muslims to remain conscious of their actions, engage in acts of worship, and avoid sin, ensuring that their lives are lived in accordance with the divine guidance of Allah. The guardian angels not only serve as protectors and recorders but also act as spiritual reminders that reinforce the significance of accountability in Islam and the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah.