Abu Huraira and Abu Said reported God’s messenger as saying, “People will not sit remembering God without the angels surrounding them, mercy covering them, peace(1) descending on them, and God mentioning them among those who are with Him.” 1. Here I have translated as-sakina as "peace” , but cf. p.448, n. 2.Muslim transmitted it.
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) illuminates the immense spiritual rewards and divine blessings bestowed upon gatherings dedicated to the remembrance of Allah (dhikr). The narration, authenticated by Imam Muslim in his Sahih, establishes the celestial atmosphere that envelops such assemblies.
The Fourfold Blessings
The Prophet delineated four distinct blessings: First, angelic encirclement - the angels descend and surround the people of dhikr, creating a protective spiritual barrier against distractions and evil whispers.
Second, divine mercy envelopment - Allah's rahmah covers the participants like a canopy, indicating the removal of divine displeasure and the bestowal of spiritual grace.
Third, the descent of sakina - often translated as divine tranquility or peace, this represents a profound spiritual state where hearts find rest and certainty in Allah's presence.
Fourth, divine mention - Allah honors them before the higher assembly of angels, demonstrating that as they remember Him, He remembers them in the most exalted company.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that this hadith applies to any gathering where Allah is remembered through Quranic recitation, studying sacred knowledge, or repeating prescribed remembrances. The condition is sincerity and proper adherence to prophetic guidance.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that the "mention among those with Him" indicates a special proximity to Allah reserved for His beloved servants. This divine recognition surpasses all worldly honors.
Al-Nawawi emphasizes that these blessings manifest according to the participants' sincerity and presence of heart. The greater the spiritual concentration, the more profound the divine manifestations.
Practical Implications
This tradition encourages Muslims to establish regular gatherings for dhikr and knowledge, whether in mosques, homes, or other permissible places. It demonstrates that spiritual rewards are not limited to formal worship but extend to any sincere remembrance of Allah.
The hadith also teaches that collective remembrance carries special merit beyond individual worship, creating a spiritual synergy that attracts divine blessings unavailable to solitary worshippers.