(Attracting the Angels Series – Part One)

The blessed month of Ramadhaan is the greatest month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month in which carrying out a nafl action earns one the immense reward of a fardh action, and the reward of a fardh action is multiplied seventy times. It is the month wherein the rebellious shayaateen are chained and restrained, in order to assist the servants of Allah Ta‘ala to gain control over their nafs (carnal desires) and acquire the special proximity of Allah Ta‘ala. Similarly, Ramadhaan is the month in which the fasting believers benefit tremendously from the du‘aas of the angels.

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “My Ummah was bestowed with five special favours in the month of Ramadhaan which no Ummah was bestowed before them; (1) the odour emanating from the mouth of the fasting person is more pleasing to Allah Ta‘ala than the fragrance of musk, (2) the angels continue to make du‘aa for their forgiveness until they break their fast, (3) every day, Allah Ta‘ala adorns His Jannah, thereafter He (addresses Jannah and) says, ‘Very soon, My pious servants will have burdens and hardships removed from them (through passing away) and they will come to you, (4) in Ramadhaan, the rebellious shayaateen are chained, so they are not free to do that (mischief and harm) which they are free to do out of Ramadhaan, (5) and on the last night (of Ramadhaan), their sins are forgiven.”

Hearing this, a Sahaabi asked, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Is that night (the last night when everyone is forgiven) Lailatul Qadr?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “No, however the one who carries out work is only given his payment in full when he completes his work (hence, when the servants fast for Allah Ta‘ala throughout Ramadhaan, then Allah Ta‘ala rewards them and blesses them with forgiveness on the last night).” (Musnad Ahmad #7917)

It should be borne in mind that the virtues of fasting (such as receiving the du‘aa of the angels as well as being forgiven, etc.) will be enjoyed by those who fulfil the right of the fast by refraining from all acts of disobedience which earn the displeasure of Allah Ta‘ala. It is for this reason that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadhaan, acknowledges (and respects) its boundaries and limits, and ensures that he fulfils the rights of Ramadhaan as he ought to fulfil them, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Musnad Ahmad #11524) Hence, if one does not refrain from sin while fasting, then one will not receive the full reward and virtues of the fast, or one may not receive any reward at all.

Apart from the action of fasting earning one the du‘aa of the angels, the action of partaking of sehri also earns one the special du‘aa of the angels.

Sayyiduna Abu Sa‘eed Khudri (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Sehri is such that partaking of it is (a source of) barakah, so do not leave it out, even if one of you has to swallow just one sip of water (then have this much at least, in order to acquire the barakah of sehri), for indeed, Allah and His angels send salaat upon those who partake of sehri (i.e. Allah Ta‘ala showers His special mercy upon them, and the angels make du‘aa for them).” (Musnad Ahmad #11086)

Such is the immense kindness and compassion of Allah Ta‘ala that not only are we allowed to partake of sehri before commencing the fast – thus making the fast easy for us to manage – but Allah Ta‘ala blesses us with His special mercy and the angels make special du‘aa for those who partake of sehri! Such is the beauty of Islam!

Nevertheless, the month of Ramadhaan is also the month of du‘aa, as the du‘aa of the fasting person is readily accepted, especially at the time of iftaar. In this regard, if one wishes for the angels to join him in his du‘aa, and say ‘ameen’ to his du‘aa as well, then one should ensure that he makes du‘aa for his fellow Muslims as well. Sayyiduna Abud Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The du‘aa which a Muslim makes for his (Muslim) brother in his absence is answered. There is an angel appointed at his head (so that) every time he makes a good du‘aa for his (Muslim) brother, the appointed angel says, ‘Aameen – and may you receive the same!’” (Saheeh Muslim #6929)

Another action which is carried out abundantly in the month of Ramadhaan is the recitation of the Quraan Majeed. Insha-Allah, in the next part, we will discuss how this blessed action also attracts the presence and du‘aa of the angels.