“Indeed, Allah has angels who go about on the earth in addition to the Kuttab of people. So when they find groups of people remembering Allah, they call to one another: ‘Come to that which you have been seeking.’ They will come and cover them up to the lowest heaven. Allah will say: ‘What were My worshippers doing when you left them?’ They will say: ‘We left them as they were praising You, glorifying You, and remembering You.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘Have they seen Me?’ They say: ‘No.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘How would it be had they seen Me?’ They will say: ‘Had they seen You, they would have been more ardent in praise of You, more ardent in glorification of You, more ardent in remembrance of You.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘And what do they seek?’” He (ﷺ) said: “They will say: ‘They seek Paradise.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘So have they seen it?’” He (ﷺ) said: “So they will say: ‘No.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘So how would it be had they seen it?’” He (ﷺ) said: “They will say: ‘Had they seen it, they would be more ardent in seeking it, and more eager for it.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘So from what thing do they seek refuge?’ They will say: ‘They seek refuge from the Fire.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘And have they seen it?’ So they will say: ‘No.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘So how would it be had they seen it?’ So they will say: ‘Had they seen it, they would be more ardent in fear of it, and more ardent in seeking refuge from it.’” He (ﷺ) said: “So He will say: ‘So I do call You to witness that I have forgiven them.’ So they will say: ‘Indeed among them is so-and-so, a sinner, he did not intend them, he only came to them for some need.’ So He will say: ‘They are the people, that none who sits with them shall be miserable.’”
Hadith Commentary: The Excellence of Gathering for Remembrance
This blessed hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (3600) reveals the immense virtue of gatherings dedicated to Allah's remembrance (dhikr). The angels specifically seek out such assemblies, indicating their spiritual significance in the divine realm.
The Two Categories of Angels
The hadith mentions angels beyond the recording angels (Kuttab), showing multiple angelic delegations observe human worship. These special angels actively seek remembrance gatherings and invite others to witness this blessed sight.
The Divine Inquiry and Intercession
Allah's questioning demonstrates His personal concern for worshippers. The dialogue format emphasizes divine mercy and Allah's desire to forgive. Even when a sinner is present among the believers, the entire gathering receives forgiveness through the principle of collective blessing (barakah).
Spiritual Lessons for the Seeker
This hadith encourages consistent attendance at remembrance gatherings, highlights the power of collective worship, and demonstrates Allah's generous forgiveness. It teaches that sincere intention transforms ordinary gatherings into spiritually elevated occasions worthy of angelic attention and divine mercy.