If you know this, you won't skip Asr and Fajr Prayers again!
Last night, before Taraweeh, the Imam shared something that left a deep imprint on my heart. He spoke about the unseen world around us, the silent witnesses to our actions—angels who take turns watching over us.
I listened, captivated, as he described a moment that occurs twice every day. A moment when the angels of the night and the angels of the day gather in the presence of Allah. And what do they report?
The Hadith on Angels Taking Turns at Fajr and 'Asr
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ informed us of this remarkable occurrence through several authentic narrations. One of the most well-known hadiths on this subject is reported by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him).
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
إِنَّكُمْ لَتُرَوْنَ رَبَّكُمْ كَمَا تُرَوْنَ الْقَمَرَ لَيْلَةَ الْبَدْرِ، فَإِنِ اسْتَطَعْتُمْ أَنْ لَا تُغْلَبُوا عَلَى صَلَاةٍ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا، فَافْعَلُوا. ثُمَّ قَرَأَ { وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا }
Transliteration:
"Innakum laturawna rabbakum kama turawna al-qamara laylata al-badri, fa-in istataʿtum an la tughlaboo ʿala salatin qabla tuluʿi al-shamsi wa qabla ghuroobiha, fafʿaloo. Thumma qara'a: {Wa sabbiḥ biḥamdi rabbika qabla ṭulūʿi ash-shamsi wa qabla ghurūbihā}."
English Translation:
"You will see your Lord as you see the full moon. If you can avoid missing a prayer before sunrise (Fajr) and before sunset ('Asr), do so. Then he recited: 'And glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting.'" (Surah Qaf 50:39)
The Hadith of Angels Reporting to Allah
Another hadith further elaborates on how angels witness these prayers:
"There are angels who take turns in visiting you by night and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn (Fajr) and the afternoon ('Asr) prayers. Those who have spent the night with you ascend to the heavens, and their Lord, Who knows better about them, asks: 'In what condition did you leave My slaves?' They reply: 'We left them while they were performing Salat and we went to them while they were performing Salat.'"
This hadith clearly shows that the angels who take shifts report directly to Allah about our spiritual state.
The Significance of Fajr and 'Asr in Light of These Hadiths
These narrations emphasize the immense spiritual value of the Fajr and 'Asr prayers. Here are some key takeaways:
1. A Direct Witness to Our Deeds
The angels serve as witnesses to our acts of worship. They observe our prayers and present a report to Allah twice a day. If we maintain these prayers with sincerity and devotion, they testify in our favor.2. A Special Honor from Allah
The fact that Allah asks about our condition shows the immense importance of these two prayers. It is an honor for believers to be mentioned by name in the presence of the Almighty.3. A Source of Protection and Blessings
4. A Reminder of the Unseen World
Practical Steps to Maximize the Benefits of Fajr and 'Asr
- Pray on Time: Ensure that these prayers are performed within their prescribed times.
- Recite the Adhkar (Remembrances) of Morning and Evening: Engaging in dhikr after Fajr and 'Asr is a Sunnah practice that brings immense rewards.
- Strive for Khushu' (Concentration) in Prayer: Focus on your connection with Allah rather than rushing through the prayer.
- Encourage Family and Friends: Remind and motivate others about the importance of these prayers.
- Read and Reflect on the Qur'an: The time after Fajr and 'Asr is perfect for reading Qur'an and contemplating its meanings.
The changing of the angels at Fajr and 'Asr is a powerful reminder of Allah’s mercy and the significance of our daily prayers. It is an encouragement to remain steadfast and diligent in our worship. As the angels bear witness to our deeds and report back to Allah, let us ensure that we are among those whom they record as being in a state of prayer and devotion.
For Muslim reverts, this knowledge serves as a beautiful motivation to prioritize prayer. As new Muslims, it can be overwhelming to adjust to daily Salah, but knowing that angels are present at Fajr and 'Asr can be a source of strength. Remember, every step you take towards Allah, He takes a greater step towards you. Stay committed, and the journey will become easier.
May Allah make us among those whose deeds are reported in the best state. Ameen.
References:
- Sahih al-Bukhari 554, 555
- Sahih Muslim 632, 633
- Surah Qaf (50:39)
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Interpretation of Qur'an 50:39)
- Riyad as-Salihin, Book of Virtues
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