Part 14

Belief in angels is an essential element in the belief system of a Muslim. To believe in them means to accept everything that has been related about them in the Qur’an and the Hadith. From these sources, we know some of their attributes, characteristics, names, and

. responsibilities. We understand their relationship to humankind and their completion of the commands of their Lord. The real significance comes when one comprehends the effect that belief in angels has on the believer. This belief helps one to be patient, dedicated, and

obedient to Allah. To know that angels are watching and recording at all times leads the believer to be attentive to every action, wanting to please Allah with his or her deeds. The true believer knows that s/he is . not alone on the path to Allah, thus the angels provide security and comfort. There is especially comfort in realizing that no harm can befall the believer except by the will and decree of Allah. Allah has made everything in the universe flow in beautiful synchrony. The angels are part of this and they are intricately entwined in the lives of humankind. They have great benefit for the believer, in bringing comfort to the heart and soul, in guiding to good deeds, and in providing strength to be pious and steadfast.

Connecting children to the Angels

Children can be connected to angels beginning at a young age as well. In relation to the prophets and revelation, it is necessary for children to believe in angels as they are the link between Allah and His messengers. It would be difficult to believe in the coming of the revelation, particularly the Qur’an, without knowing about and believing in angels. Angel Gabriel, of course, is the angel of revelation and he came to all of the prophets. He came to Prophet Muhammad (3) over a period of twenty-three years. Belief in the angels then (and in Angel Gabriel specifically) is a prerequisite for belief in and confirmation of the Qur’an.

Children can be read stories in which angels spoke to the prophets or other human beings. The most popular story, of course, is when Angel Gabriel (3) came to Prophet Muhammad (3) in the cave of Hird’. The story of the isra’ and the mi ‘raj ' would be another example in which Angel Gabriel accompanied the Prophet (3) to the highest heavens. As related in the Qur’an, angels came to various

' isré’ and mi‘réj: the night journey of the Prophet (bpuh) from Makkah to

Jerusalem and then up to visit heaven

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prophets to bring news, such as Prophets Abraham, Zachariah and Lot. There are many other examples.

It is particularly appealing to children to hear the descriptions of angels that reflect Allah’s power and ability. In one hadith, for example, it is stated that Angel Gabriel was seen by the Prophet (2%) covering the horizon with six hundred wings. Angels can also appear in different forms, such as that of a human being. Children can then begin to relate to the greatness and awe-inspiring nature of Allah’s creation. They must believe in these attributes of angels without distorting or trying to depict them in any way.

There are other stories of angels that include valuable lessons. These stories can be used to teach about angels, while at the same time providing children with important morals and values. The following are some examples:

* till aman advised him to go to such and such village. (So he left for it) but death overtook him on the way. As he lay dying, he turned his

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three pregnant animals gave birth to young ones, and multiplied and brought forth so much that one of the (three) men had a herd of camels filling a valley, and one had a herd of cows filling a valley, and one had a flock of sheep filling a valley. Then the angel, disguised in the shape and appearance of a leper, went to the leper and said: | am a poor man, who has lost all means of livelihood while on a journey, so none will satisfy my need except Allah and then you. In the name of Him Who has given you such nice colour and beautiful skin, and so much property, I ask you to give me a camel so that I may reach my destination. The man replied: I have many obligations (so I cannot give you one). The angel said: I think I know you; were you not a leper to whom people had a strong aversion? Weren’t you a poor man, and then Allah gave you (all this property)? The man replied: (This is not so,) I got this property through inheritance from my fore-fathers. The angel said: If you are telling a fie, then let Allah make you as you were before. Then the angel, disguised in the shape and appearance of a bald man, went to the bald man and said to him the same as he told the first one, and he too answered the same as the first one did. The angel said: If you are telling a lie, then let Allah make you as you were before. The angel, disguised as a blind man, went to the blind man and said: | am a poor man and a traveller, whose means of livelihood have been exhausted while on a journey. I have nobody to help me except Allah, and after Him, you yourself. I ask you in the name of Him Who has given you back your eyesight to give me a sheep, so that with its help, I may complete my journey. The man said: No doubt, I was blind and Allah gave me back my eye-sight; I was poor and Allah made me rich; so take anything you wish from my property. By Allah, I will not stop you from taking anything (you need) of my property, which you may take for Allah’s sake. The angel replied: Keep your

These stories from the Hadith help children to strengthen the belief that angels are real and that Allah has a purpose for sending them. They are Allah’s emissaries in this life and His sending them * means that He cares for His creation and intervenes in their lives as He wishes and during appropriate times. They are a direct connection between Allah and His servants in this world.

Each of the angels is entrusted with different tasks in fulfilment of these commands.

Children readily connect to these concepts, which can be introduced into conversations. When it rains, they may be asked where the rain comes from. They are likely to respond, “Allah.” Then they may be asked, “Who follows Allah’s command to bring the rain?” They will then respond, “The angels.” They can also be told the name of the particular angel, Meekd’eel, who is in charge of this task. These sorts of small reminders work together to confirm and reaffirm belief in Allah and His angels. Even though children are unable to see the angels, they must understand that they are present.