The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Angels take turns among you by night and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn and afternoon prayers. Those (of the angels) who spend the night among you, then, ascend, and their Lord asks them, though He is the best informed about them: How did you leave My servants? -they say: We left them while they were praying and we came to them while they were praying.
The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 632a
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Angels take turns among you by night and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn and afternoon prayers. Those (of the angels) who spend the night among you, then, ascend, and their Lord asks them, though He is the best informed about them: 'How did you leave My servants?' - they say: 'We left them while they were praying and we came to them while they were praying.'"
Commentary on the Hadith
This noble hadith reveals the profound spiritual reality surrounding the five daily prayers, particularly the Fajr (dawn) and 'Asr (afternoon) prayers. The angels who record human deeds work in shifts - some by night and others by day - demonstrating Allah's perfect system of recording every human action.
The assembly of all angels at Fajr and 'Asr indicates the special merit of these two prayers. Scholars explain that these times mark transitions between night and day, and between day and night, making them particularly significant moments of divine mercy and angelic presence.
Allah's question to the angels - despite His perfect knowledge - demonstrates His immense care for His servants and serves as a means of honoring the believers before the angels. The angels' testimony that they found believers praying highlights the continuous cycle of worship that should characterize a Muslim's life.
This hadith encourages consistency in prayer, especially at these two times, and reminds us that our worship is witnessed and recorded, inspiring us to maintain our prayers with devotion and regularity.