إِنَّ مَعَ كُلِّ إِنْسَانٍ مَلَكَيْنِ يَحْفَظَانِهِ، فَإِذَا جَاءَ الْقَدَرُ خَلَّيَا بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَهُ، وَإِنَّ الاْجَلَ جُنَّةٌ حَصِينَةٌ۔
With every individual there are two angels who protect him; when destiny approaches they let it have its own way with him. Certainly, the appointed time is a protective shield (against the events which occur before it).
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Nahj al-Balagha — Peak of Eloquence: Hadith #201)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the presence of two angels assigned to protect every individual. These angels fulfill their duty of safeguarding until the appointed time, when destiny takes its course. The Arabic word (malakayn) "مَلَكَيْنِ" refers to these two angels, who are entrusted with the responsibility of guarding and protecting every human being.
This concept of angels protecting individuals is not only mentioned in this Hadith, but also finds support in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Qaf (50:17-18):
And We have already created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein. When the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left.
These verses indicate that Allah is aware of the inner thoughts and whispers of every individual, and that there are two receivers, angels, who record and observe our actions. This further emphasizes the presence of angels assigned to protect and watch over us.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states that when destiny or (al-qadar) "الْقَدَرُ" approaches, the angels step aside and allow it to unfold. The word (khalayā) "خَلَّيَا" in the Hadith signifies this act of stepping aside and letting destiny take its course. This highlights the divine decree and the predetermined events that occur in our lives.
The concept of destiny is deeply rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22):
No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy.
This verse emphasizes that every event, whether it is a disaster or a blessing, is already recorded in a register before it comes into existence. It is a part of Allah's divine plan and is within His control. Therefore, when the appointed time or destiny arrives, the angels step aside and allow the events to unfold according to Allah's decree.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that (al-ajal) "الاْجَلَ", the appointed time, is like a protective shield. This means that the predetermined time of an event acts as a barrier or shield against any events that may occur before it. It serves as a boundary that protects and preserves the course of events until that specific time.
This concept of an appointed time as a protective shield is also mentioned in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hijr (15:5):
Indeed, We have determined a term for every nation. When their time comes, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].
This verse highlights that every nation has a predetermined time for its rise and fall. Once that time arrives, it cannot be delayed or hastened. It acts as a protective shield, ensuring that events occur at their appointed time and in accordance with Allah's plan.
Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that while we have angels protecting us, they do not interfere with the unfolding of destiny. They fulfill their duty of safeguarding until the appointed time, when events occur as decreed by Allah. This highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who possessed deep insights into the workings of the unseen and the divine decree.
As Muslims, we should take solace in the fact that we are under the protection of Allah and His angels. We should strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam, knowing that our destiny is in the hands of the Most Wise and All-Knowing. May Allah guide us on the straight path and grant us understanding of His divine plan.
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