The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "On every Friday the angels take their stand at every gate of the mosque to write the names of the people chronologically (i.e. according to the time of their arrival for the Friday prayer) and when the Imam sits (on the pulpit) they fold up their scrolls and get ready to listen to the sermon."
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "On every Friday the angels take their stand at every gate of the mosque to write the names of the people chronologically (i.e. according to the time of their arrival for the Friday prayer) and when the Imam sits (on the pulpit) they fold up their scrolls and get ready to listen to the sermon."
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 3211 | Book: Beginning of Creation
Commentary on the Angels' Recording
This hadith establishes that angels are appointed specifically for Friday prayer to record attendees in order of their arrival. The chronological recording indicates the superiority of early attendance, with greater rewards for those who come first.
The angels cease writing when the Imam ascends the pulpit, demonstrating that the sermon (khutbah) marks the formal beginning of the Friday prayer service. From this point, attention must shift entirely to listening to the Imam's address.
Legal & Spiritual Implications
Scholars derive from this that attending Friday prayer is of such importance that celestial beings are designated to document participants. This emphasizes the communal obligation (fard kifayah) of Jumu'ah prayer.
The folding of scrolls when the Imam sits signifies that latecomers miss the primary reward, though they still fulfill their obligation if they join before the prayer rak'ahs begin.
The angels' readiness to listen to the sermon serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to likewise devote full attention to the khutbah without distraction.
Practical Guidance
Muslims should strive for early arrival at the mosque on Fridays to attain the maximum spiritual reward recorded by the angels.
Once the Imam begins the sermon, all conversation must cease, following the example of the angels who stop writing to listen attentively.
This hadith encourages punctuality in religious observances and highlights the special status Friday holds in Islamic tradition.