At the Point of Death

Which angels take the soul of the Muslim, the angels of mercy or the angels of wrath?
If a Muslim who sins dies, is his soul taken by the angels of mercy or the angels of wrath? Please note that he prays, but he commits some sins such as looking at haraam things or listening to music.
May Allah reward you with good.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

The majority of texts that speak of this matter divide people into two categories:

1. Believers. The angels of mercy take their souls and lift them up to heaven with great care, coming with glad tidings, calling them by the most loved of their names, so they feel joy, blessing and happiness which makes them steadfast.

2. Disbelievers and hypocrites. The angels of wrath take their souls, coming with harshness and warnings, and the gates of heaven are closed in their faces, so they are thrown in the earth to face woe and punishments as recompense for what they did in this world of wrongdoing, disbelief and enmity.

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, mentioned that in the Holy Qur'aan, where He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“By those (angels) who pull out (the souls of the disbelievers and the wicked) with great violence.

2. By those (angels) who gently take out (the souls of the believers).

3. And by those that swim along (i.e. angels or planets in their orbits)”

[al-Naazi’aat 79:1-3].

Al-Haafiz ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Ibn Mas’ood, Ibn ‘Abbaas, Masrooq, Sa’eed ibn Jubayr, Abu Saalih, Abu’l-Duha and al-Suddi said: “By those who pull out” refers to the angels, i.e., when they pull out the souls of the sons of Adam. There are some whose soul is taken forcefully and they suffer when it is taken out, and there are some whose soul is taken gently, which is referred to in the verse, “and those who gently take out.” This was stated by Ibn ‘Abbaas.

It was also narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that al-naazi’aat refers to the souls of the disbelievers, which are taken out, then plunged into the Fire. This was narrated by Ibn Abi Haatim. End quote.

Tafseer al-Qur’aan al-Kareem, 8/312

Secondly:

There is fear for the Muslim who commits sin or is an evildoer -- and what is meant is the one who persists in committing major sins or transgresses against people and dies in that state. To which of the two groups mentioned above does he belong? Is his soul taken by the angels of mercy and treated in the same manner as the believers, or is it taken by the angels of wrath and treated in the same manner as the disbelievers?

This is a matter of the unseen and we have not found any text that clearly and definitively states the situation of the one who commits major sins.

But there are some references that may indicate that the angels of wrath take the souls of those who commit major sins. For example:

1.

The hadeeth about the man who killed one hundred people, then he repented to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. When he died, the angels of mercy and the angels of wrath disputed as to which of them would take his soul and take it up to heaven. The story was narrated by Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him):

The angels of mercy and the angels of torment disputed over him. The angels of mercy said: he came repenting and turning wholeheartedly towards Allaah. The angels of torment said: He never did anything good. Then an angel in the form of a man came to them and they appointed him (to decide) between them. He said: Measure the distance between the two lands, and whichever is closer, that is where he belongs. So they measured it and they found that he was closer to the land that he was heading for, so the angels of mercy took him.”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3740) and Muslim (2766).

Think about how the angels of wrath wanted to take the soul of this sinner who had killed one hundred people. Were it not for the sincerity of his repentance, his soul would have fallen to the share of the angels of wrath. So there is the fear for all of those who commit major sins that the angels of wrath may take their souls if they do not repent to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.

2.

There are many hadeeths which describe how the angels come to take the soul of the one who is dying and take it up to the highest heavens; these hadeeths compare and contrast the situation of the believers and that of the disbelievers. In some of these hadeeths it says al-faajir (evildoer) instead of al-kaafir (disbeliever). And in some of them it describes him as al-rajul al-su’ (the bad man). This may also indicate that the one who commits major sins is in great danger in this regard.

It was narrated from al-Bara’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said -- in a lengthy hadeeth in which he described the situation of the believer and the evildoer when their souls are taken --:

“… as for the evildoer, when he is about to enter the Hereafter and depart from this world, the Angel of Death comes to him and sits by his head. There come down to him angels from heaven with black faces, bringing with them sackcloth. They sit with him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death and says, ‘O evil soul, come out to the wrath and anger of Allaah…’ .

This was narrated by al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak (1/93) and classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz (no. 108). The hadeeth is also narrated in al-Sunan. Ibn Tooloon compiled in his book al-Tahreer al-Mursakh fi Ahwaal al-Barzakh (p. 75-112) the hadeeths and reports which speak of this matter.

But if we say that what is meant by the evildoer or the bad man in these reports is the disbeliever who is mentioned in the other reports, then all the versions of the hadeeth are in accordance, as seems to be the case. So that means that there is nothing definite about Muslims who commit wrong actions and major sins. And Allah knows best.

Shaykh al-Shanqeeti (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“Those whose lives the angels take while they are in a pious state (i.e. pure from all evil, and worshipping none but Allaah Alone) saying (to them): Salaamun ‘Alaikum (peace be on you) enter you Paradise, because of that (the good) which you used to do (in the world)”

[al-Nahl 16:32 –interpretation of the meaning].

In this verse Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, stated that the pious who obeyed the commands of their Lord and avoided that which He forbade will have their souls taken by the angels when they are in a good state, i.e., pure and free of shirk and sin -- according to the soundest commentaries -- and they will give them the glad tidings of Paradise and greet them with salaam..

This meaning is also stated elsewhere, as in the verses in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),” and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!”

[Fussilat 41:30]

“and its keepers will say: Salaamun ‘Alaykum (peace be upon you)! You have done well, so enter here to abide therein”

[al-Zumar 39:74]

“And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying):

24. “Salâmun ‘Alaikum (peace be upon you) for you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!”

[al-Ra’d 13:23-24]

The glad tidings are given at the time of death, and when they entered Paradise from one gate, because they are glad tidings of good after moving to the Hereafter.

From the description of those whose souls are taken when they are in a good state and to whom it is said ‘ peace be upon you, enter Paradise,’ it may be understood that those who are not described as pious will not be taken by the angels in that noble state or be greeted or given glad tidings.

Allah has stated this meaning elsewhere, such as in the verses where He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Those whose lives the angels take while they are doing wrong to themselves (by disbelief and by associating partners in worship with Allaah and by committing all kinds of crimes and evil deeds).” Then, they will make (false) submission”

[al-Nahl 16:28]

“Verily, as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): ‘In what (condition) were you?’ They reply: ‘We were weak and oppressed on the earth.’ They (angels) say: ‘Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?’ Such men will find their abode in Hell — what an evil destination!”

[al-Nisa’ 4:97]

“And if you could see when the angels take away the souls of those who disbelieve (at death); they smite their faces and their backs, (saying): “Taste the punishment of the blazing Fire”

[al-Anfaal 8:50].

And there are other similar verses. End quote from Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 3/3

Perhaps it may be said here -- and Allah knows best -- that the situation of those who commit acts of disobedience and major sins, at the time of death, varies according to their level of disobedience and obedience. For the person who is one of those who affirm Tawheed and are good and righteous, they will have the glad tidings and good situation that Allah has promised here, and that the one who mixed good deeds with bad deeds will find himself in a mixed situation, so he will be deprived of the glad tidings and good situation and merciful treatment by the angels, according to his situation and deeds.

See also the answer to question number 52887.

And Allah knows best.



Islam Q&A

The Mother of the Believers : an Example for Women

Enjoining certain Manners so that the Mothers of the Believers may be an Example; and the Prohibition of TabarrujTafsir Ibn Kathir

These are the good manners which Allah enjoined upon the wives of the Prophet so that they would be an example for the women of the Ummah to follow. Allah said, addressing the wives of the Prophet that they should fear Allah as He commanded them, and that no other woman is like them or can be their equal in virtue and status. Then Allah says:
[فَلاَ تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ]
(then be not soft in speech,) As-Suddi and others said, this means, do not be gentle in speech when addressing men. Allah says:
[فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِى فِى قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ]
(lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire,) means, something unclean.
[وَقُلْنَ قَوْلاً مَّعْرُوفاً]
(but speak in an honorable manner.) Ibn Zayd said: “Decent and honorable talk that is known to be good.” This means that she should address non-Mahram men in a manner in which there is no softness, i.e., a woman should not address a non-Mahram man in the same way that she addresses her husband.
[وَقَرْنَ فِى بُيُوتِكُنَّ]
(And stay in your houses,) means, stay in your houses and do not come out except for a purpose. One of the purposes mentioned in Shari`ah is prayer in the Masjid, so long as the conditions are fulfilled, as the Messenger of Allah said:
«لَا تَمْنَعُوا إِمَاءَ اللهِ مَسَاجِدَ اللهِ وَلْيَخْرُجْنَ وَهُنَّ تَفِلَات»
(Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from the Masjids of Allah, but have them go out without wearing fragrance.) According to another report:
«وَبُيُوتُهُنَّ خَيْرٌ لَهُن»
(even though their houses are better for them.)
[وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَـهِلِيَّةِ الاٍّولَى]
(and do not Tabarruj yourselves like the Tabarruj of the times of ignorance,) Mujahid said: “Women used to go out walking in front of men, and this was the Tabarruj of Jahiliyyah.” Qatadah said:
[وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَـهِلِيَّةِ الاٍّولَى]
(and do not Tabarruj yourselves like the Taburruj of the times of ignorance,) “When they go out of their homes walking in a shameless and flirtatious manner, and Allah, may He be exalted, forbade that.” Muqatil bin Hayyan said:
[وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَـهِلِيَّةِ الاٍّولَى]
(and do not Tabarruj yourselves like the Tabarruj of the times of ignorance,) “Tabarruj is when a woman puts a Khimar on her head but does not tie it properly.” So her necklaces, earrings and neck, and all of that can be seen. This is Tabarruj, and Allah addresses all the women of the believers with regard to Tabarruj.
[وَأَقِمْنَ الصَّلَوةَ وَءَاتِينَ الزَّكَـوةَ وَأَطِعْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ]
(and perform the Salah, and give Zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger.) Allah first forbids them from evil, then He enjoins them to do good by establishing regular prayer, which means worshipping Allah alone with no partner or associate, and paying Zakah, which means doing good to other people.
[وَأَطِعْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ]
(and obey Allah and His Messenger.) This is an instance of something specific being followed by something in general.

http://www.alghurabaa.org/

The Life of this World is Fleeting Enjoyment

“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.” [57:20]
Allah the Exalted degrades the significance of this life and belittles it by saying,
“that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.”
Meaning, this is the significance of this life to its people, just as He said in another Ayah,
“Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return with Him.” ( 3:14 )
Allah the Exalted also sets a parable for this life, declaring that its joys are fading and its delights are perishable, saying that life is,
“Like a rain (Ghayth),” which is the rain that comes down to mankind, after they had felt despair. Allah the Exalted said in another Ayah,
“And He is it Who sends down the Ghayth (rain) after they have despaired.” (42:28)
Allah’s statement,
“thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller;” meaning that farmers admire the vegetation that grows in the aftermath of rain. And just as farmers admire vegetation, the disbelievers admire this life; they are the most eager to acquire the traits of life, and life is most dear to them,
“afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw.”
Meaning, that vegetation soon turns yellow in color, after being fresh and green. After that, the green fades away and becomes scattered pieces of dust. This is the parable of this worldly life, it starts young, then matures and then turns old and feeble. This is also the parable of mankind in this life; they are young and strong in the beginning. In this stage of life, they look youthful and handsome. Slowly, they begin growing older, their mannerism changes and their strength weakens. They then grow old and feeble; moving becomes difficult for them, while doing easy things becomes beyond their ability. Allah the Exalted said,
“Allah is He Who created you in (a state of) weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength gave (you) weakness and gray hair. He creates what He wills. And He is the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful.” (30:54)
This parable indicates the near demise of this life and the imminent end of it, while in contrast, the Hereafter is surely coming. Those who hear this parable should, therefore, be aware of the significance of the Hereafter and feel eagerness in the goodness that it contains,
“But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.”
Meaning, surely, the Hereafter that will certainly come contains two things either severe punishment or forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure.
Allah the Exalted said,
“And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.”
Meaning, this life is only a form of enjoyment that deceives those who incline to it. Surely, those who recline to this life will admire it and feel that it is dear to them, so much so, that they might think that this is the only life, no life or dwelling after it. Yet, in reality, this life is insignificant as compared to the Hereafter.
Imam Ahmad recorded that `Abdullah said that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said,
” Paradise is nearer to any of you than the strap of his shoe, and so is the (Hell) Fire.” [Ahmad 1:387]
Al-Bukhari collected this Hadith through the narration of Ath-Thawri [Fath al-Bari 11:328]. This Hadith indicates the close proximity of both good and evil in relation to mankind. If this is the case, then this is the reason Allah the Exalted encouraged mankind to rush to perform acts of righteousness and obedience and to avoid the prohibitions. By doing so, their sins and errors will be forgiven and they will acquire rewards and an exalted status. Allah the Exalted said,
“Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord, and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heaven and the earth.”
Allah the Exalted said in another Ayah,
“And march forth in the way (to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who have Taqwa.” (3:133)
Allah said here,
“prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. That is the grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He is pleased with. And Allah is the Owner of the great bounty.”
Meaning, “This, that Allah has qualified them for, is all a part of His favor, bounty and compassion.” We mentioned a Hadith collected in the Sahih in which the poor emigrants said to the Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, “O Allah’s Messenger! The wealthy people will get higher grades and permanent enjoyment.” He asked, “Why is that?” They said, “They pray like us and fast as we do. However, they give in charity, whereas we cannot do that, and they free servants, whereas we cannot afford it.” The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Shall I tell you of a good deed that, if you acted upon, you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? None would overtake you and be better than you, except those who might do the same. Say, “Glorious is Allah,” Allah is Most Great”, and “Praise be to Allah”, thirty three times each after every prayer.” They later came back and said, “Our wealthy brethren heard what we did and they started doing the same.” Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said,
“This is the favor that He gives to whom He wills.” [Muslim 1:416]

http://www.alghurabaa.org

Helpful Sites

These sites will help you a lot in keeping your kids interested and anxious to learn. My three year old is hardly interested in anything for too long but this site, ESL for kids videos kept her glued to the computer for longer than usual, and that is a point scored for me!

They are:
¨ http://www.raz-kids.com/,
¨ http://talibiddeenjr.wordpress.com/2009/02/13/lesson-planning-aidstime-savers-mega-activity-list/
¨ http://www.talibiddeenjr.com/
¨ www.english-4kids.com.

Tell you what; my three year old is enjoying herself better.

Me And My Kids.

Assalam alaykum everyone, i'm a mother of four girls, the oldest is five going to six by

september 2009, the second is four years and five months and the third is going to be three

next month, june, and the last is just going to be eleven months by twenty three of this month.

I'm homeschooling them. we're just starting to get ourself back together because we just moved

here. I love being with them and so do they love being with me. We try our best to make

the most use of the time and also to learn from the environment. I'll be drawing up our time

table soon which i'll put up here insha Allaah, the delay is due to the fact that they'll be joining a

qur'an memorisation class by next month and so the time table has to be drawn up reflecting

the time that will be spent at that class.

Right now we try to work on the math, grammar, passage reading, spellings,answering questions

on comprehension passages, names of the human bones and some basic sciences such as

nutrition,energy, reproduction and movement in living things.

I'll say that it is not easy indeed but anytime you are able to reflect on your achievements you

will appreciate your sacrifices.