He reported God’s messenger as saying, “God has angels who go about on the roads seeking those who remember God, and when they find people doing so they call to one another, ‘Come to what you are looking for’, and surround them with their wings up to the lowest heaven.” He said that their Lord then asks them, although He is best informed about them, “What are my servants saying?” They reply, “They are extolling, magnifying, praising and glorifying Thee.” He asks whether they have seen Him, and when they reply, “No indeed, they have not seen Thee,” He asks how they would act if they had seen Him, to which they reply, “If they had seen Thee they would have engaged more earnestly in worshipping and glorifying Thee, and would have extolled Thee much more.” He then says, “What are they asking for?” and they reply, “They are asking Thee for paradise.” He asks whether they have seen it, and when they reply, “No indeed, my Lord, they have not seen it,” He asks how they would act if they had seen it to which they reply, “If they had seen it they would have been more intensely eager for it, would have asked more earnestly for it, and would have had a greater desire for it.” He asks what they are seeking refuge from, to which they reply that it is from hell. He asks whether they have seen it, and when they reply, “No indeed, my Lord, they have not seen it,” He asks how they would act if they had seen it, to which they reply, “If they had seen it they would have been more earnest in flying from it and fearing it.” He then says, “I call you to witness that I have forgiven them.” One of the angels says, “Among them is so and so who does not belong to their number, but has come only for something he wants,” and He replies, “They are people who are seated together, and he who sits with them will not be miserable.” Bukhari transmitted it.In Muslim's version he said that God has angels who travel round to a great extent looking for meetings where remembrance is being made of God, and when they find a meeting where this is being done they sit with them and surround one another, with their wings so as to fill the space between them and the lowest heaven. When the people separate they ascend up to heaven, and God who knows best asks them where they have come from. They reply, “We have come from Thy servants on the earth who are extolling and magnifying Thee, declaring Thy unity, praising Thee and making request of Thee.” He says, “For what are they asking me?” and they reply, “They are asking Thee for Thy paradise.” He asks whether they have seen His paradise, and when they reply, “No my Lord.” He asks how they would act if they had seen His paradise. They say, “They are also seeking Thy protection.” He asks, “From what are they seeking my protection?” and they reply, “From Thy fire.” He asks whether they have seen His fire, and when they reply that they have not, He asks how they would act if they had seen His fire. They say, “They are also asking Thy forgiveness,” to which He replies, “I have forgiven them, given them what they have asked for, and protected them from what they sought protection.” They say, “My Lord, so and so, a sinner, is among them, who just happening to pass by sat down with them.” He replies, “Him also I have forgiven. They are the people by reason of whom their associate will not be miserable.”
The Excellence of Dhikr Gatherings
This noble hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih (2267) reveals the immense spiritual significance of gatherings dedicated to the remembrance of Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) informs us that Allah dispatches special angels who roam the earth seeking assemblies where His remembrance occurs.
When these angels find such gatherings, they call upon one another and surround the devotees with their wings, creating a celestial canopy that reaches the lowest heaven. This demonstrates the honor and spiritual elevation granted to those who remember their Lord collectively.
The Divine Inquiry
Allah, in His infinite wisdom, questions the angels about His servants' activities, though He is All-Knowing. This questioning serves to highlight the special status of those engaged in dhikr and to manifest His mercy and generosity toward them.
The angels report that the servants are engaged in tasbih (glorification), takbir (magnification), tahmid (praise), and tahlil (declaring Allah's oneness). This comprehensive remembrance encompasses all forms of worship and acknowledgment of Allah's perfection.
The Threefold Request
Allah inquires about three essential matters: their praise of Him, their request for Paradise, and their seeking refuge from Hell. In each case, Allah questions whether they have seen what they seek or avoid, emphasizing the superiority of faith over sight.
The angels testify that if these servants had seen Allah, they would worship more intensely; if they had seen Paradise, they would desire it more fervently; and if they had seen Hell, they would flee from it more earnestly. This acknowledges the excellence of their faith-based devotion.
Comprehensive Forgiveness
The most magnificent outcome is Allah's declaration of forgiveness for all participants. Even when an angel mentions someone who joined incidentally without proper intention, Allah extends His mercy, stating that no one who sits with such people will be miserable.
This demonstrates the overflowing nature of Divine mercy and the blessing that extends even to those who associate with righteous people, highlighting the importance of keeping company with the devout.
Spiritual Implications
This hadith encourages Muslims to regularly participate in gatherings of dhikr, whether in mosques, homes, or other suitable places. It assures us of angelic presence, divine attention, and guaranteed forgiveness for such congregations.
The narrative also teaches us about the nature of true faith - that belief in the unseen is superior to belief based on sight, and that Allah rewards our faith-based efforts with unimaginable generosity and compassion.