In Islam, angels play a significant role as messengers and helpers of Allah (God). They are believed to carry out various tasks and serve important functions in the spiritual and physical realms. Among the most important of these angels are the ones that sit on a person’s shoulders. These angels are believed to record a person’s deeds, good or bad, as part of the divine system of accountability in the afterlife. The angels are always present with us, reminding us of our actions and guiding us towards a righteous path.
This article will delve into the concept of the angels who sit on our shoulders in Islam, their roles, and their significance. We will explore the names of these angels, their duties, and what their presence means for Muslims.
The Concept of Angels in Islam
Angels are considered creations of Allah, made from light. Unlike humans, they are pure beings without free will and are incapable of disobedience. They are always in a state of worship and service to Allah, fulfilling their assigned tasks. Their existence and roles are fundamental aspects of Islamic teachings.
According to the Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), angels are tasked with various duties. They convey Allah’s commands, protect and guide humans, and maintain the balance of the universe. Their duties include recording deeds, protecting individuals from harm, and delivering divine messages.
The angels that sit on a person’s shoulders are of particular importance because they are responsible for keeping a record of every action a person performs. These records are presented to Allah on the Day of Judgment, where every individual’s deeds will be weighed, and they will be judged accordingly.
The Two Angels on the Shoulders
In Islamic tradition, two angels are assigned to each person. One sits on the right shoulder, and the other sits on the left. These angels are known as Kiraman Katibin (Honorable Recorders). Their primary role is to record a person’s good and bad deeds.
The Right Shoulder Angel
The angel on the right shoulder is responsible for recording a person’s good deeds. This angel writes down all the positive actions a person performs, no matter how small or large. These actions could include acts of worship, such as praying or fasting, helping others, giving charity, or showing kindness to family and friends. The good deeds are recorded in the hope that they will be rewarded by Allah in the hereafter.
In Islam, it is taught that Allah is merciful and rewards even the smallest good deeds. Therefore, the angel on the right shoulder only records the good actions, ensuring that every act of goodness is noted and acknowledged by Allah.
The Left Shoulder Angel
The angel on the left shoulder is responsible for recording a person’s bad deeds. This angel writes down all actions that go against the teachings of Islam, such as sin, disobedience, or harmful actions towards others. The bad deeds include actions like lying, cheating, stealing, or committing immoral acts.
However, it is important to note that Islam emphasizes Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. If a person sincerely repents for their sins and seeks forgiveness, Allah is most compassionate and will forgive those who repent. Therefore, the left shoulder angel may erase bad deeds if a person repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness. This mercy is a significant aspect of Islamic beliefs.
The Role of the Angels in Accountability
The angels on the shoulders do not judge a person; their sole role is to record the deeds. On the Day of Judgment, the records they have kept will be presented before Allah, and it is Allah who will judge based on the deeds written in those records. Each person will be judged fairly, and their good and bad deeds will be weighed.
Muslims believe that on this day, every individual will face their actions, and the angels will be witnesses to their deeds. The Quran states in Surah Al-Infitar (82:10-12):
“But indeed, over you are appointed angels, who are honorable and writing. They know whatever you do.”
This emphasizes that everything a person does is being recorded, and nothing escapes the angels’ watchful eyes. The idea of having angels sitting on one’s shoulders serves as a reminder to Muslims to live righteous lives, always being aware of their actions.
The Significance of the Shoulder Angels
The presence of the shoulder angels holds great significance in Islam. They are a constant reminder of Allah’s watchful presence and His system of justice. Their existence encourages believers to maintain good character, avoid sinful behavior, and perform righteous deeds in all aspects of life.
The belief in these angels helps foster a sense of accountability. Knowing that every action, no matter how private or secret, is being recorded, inspires Muslims to adhere to the teachings of Islam and seek Allah’s pleasure. It is also a reminder that Allah’s mercy is vast and that individuals should strive to make amends for their wrongdoings.
The angels on the shoulders highlight the concept of personal responsibility. In Islam, individuals are responsible for their actions, and these angels ensure that each person’s actions are noted. This reinforces the Islamic belief that each person will be held accountable for their deeds in the afterlife.
Repentance and the Role of the Angels
One of the most powerful teachings in Islam is the concept of repentance (Tawbah). When a person sins, they can turn to Allah in sincere repentance, seeking His forgiveness. The angels on the shoulders play a role in this process, as they record the bad deeds that are repented for and erased upon sincere repentance.
In a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“If a servant sins and then says: ‘O Allah, forgive me,’ and then repents, Allah will forgive him.”
This emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah and the mercy that comes with repentance. The angels on the left shoulder may erase the bad deeds from the record if the individual repents sincerely. This highlights Allah’s endless mercy and forgiveness towards those who repent with a pure heart.
The Day of Judgment and the Role of the Angels
The angels on the shoulders play a crucial role in the Day of Judgment. On that day, the records of deeds will be presented to Allah, and the angels will witness the actions of every individual. The Quran mentions in Surah Al-Qiyama (75:36-40):
“Does man think that he will be left neglected? Had he not been a sperm drop from semen emitted? Then he was a clinging clot, and then Allah created him and proportioned him. And made of him two mates, the male and the female.”
This reminds Muslims that every action is recorded, and on the Day of Judgment, every person will be judged according to their deeds. The angels who have been recording the actions of every individual will be part of this great event, presenting the records to Allah.
The Day of Judgment is a day of accountability, where no one can escape the consequences of their actions. However, the mercy of Allah is vast, and those who have done good deeds and sincerely repented will be rewarded with Paradise.
Conclusion
The angels that sit on a person’s shoulders in Islam serve an essential role in the divine system of accountability. They record every good and bad deed that a person performs, ensuring that nothing goes unnoticed. These angels serve as reminders of Allah’s presence, His justice, and His mercy.
Through the concept of these angels, Muslims are encouraged to live righteous lives, be mindful of their actions, and seek repentance for their sins. The angels’ role highlights the importance of accountability in Islam and the belief that every person will be judged fairly on the Day of Judgment.
Ultimately, the presence of these angels underscores the idea that every action has consequences and that Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are available to those who turn to Him with sincerity. The angels on the shoulders are a reminder that we are never alone in our actions, and Allah is always aware of our deeds.