The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم
" الْمَلاَئِكَةُ يَتَعَاقَبُونَ، مَلاَئِكَةٌ بِاللَّيْلِ وَمَلاَئِكَةٌ بِالنَّهَارِ، وَيَجْتَمِعُونَ فِي صَلاَةِ الْفَجْرِ وَالْعَصْرِ، ثُمَّ يَعْرُجُ إِلَيْهِ الَّذِينَ بَاتُوا فِيكُمْ، فَيَسْأَلُهُمْ وَهْوَ أَعْلَمُ، فَيَقُولُ كَيْفَ تَرَكْتُمْ {عِبَادِي} فَيَقُولُونَ تَرَكْنَاهُمْ يُصَلُّونَ، وَأَتَيْنَاهُمْ يُصَلُّونَ ".
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Angels keep on descending from and ascending to the Heaven in turn, some at
night and some by daytime, and all of them assemble together at the time of the Fajr and `Asr prayers.
Then those who have stayed with you over-night, ascent unto Allah Who asks them, and He knows
the answer better than they, "How have you left My slaves?" They reply, "We have left them praying
as we found them praying." If anyone of you says "Amin" (during the Prayer at the end of the
recitation of Surat-al-Faitiha), and the angels in Heaven say the same, and the two sayings coincide,
all his past sins will be forgiven."
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes the role of angels who alternate between descending and ascending to Heaven, particularly during the Fajr and 'Asr prayers. This gathering of angels serves as a reminder of the importance of these prayers, as they report back to Allah about the believers they witnessed in prayer. The hadith emphasizes the significance of communal worship and the mercy of Allah, who forgives sins when the angels' supplications align with the believers' prayers.
Modern Application
In today's fast-paced world, maintaining regular prayer, especially during Fajr and 'Asr, can be challenging. This hadith encourages believers to prioritize these prayers, reminding them of the spiritual significance and the angels' presence during these times. Engaging in prayer can foster a sense of community and connection with Allah, enhancing one's spiritual life.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Day of Judgment and Prayer because it highlights the angels' role in witnessing prayers and reporting to Allah about the believers, emphasizing the significance of prayer in the context of accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.
The heavens almost break from above them, and the angels exalt [Allah] with praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on earth. Unquestionably, it is Allah who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
Those [angels] who carry the Throne and those around it exalt [Allah] with praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed, [saying], "Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire.
Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allah " and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.
Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.
