Du’a of the Malaikah for the Mu’minun
Almighty Allah states: ‘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. Our Lord, admit them to gardens of perpetual residence which You have promised them and whoever was righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their offspring. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise. And protect them from the evil consequences [of their deeds]. And he whom You protect from evil consequences that Day, You will have mercy upon him. And that is the great attainment.” (Surah Ghafir: 7–9)
Although these verses were originally revealed to comfort distressed believers in Makkah who were humiliated, mocked, tormented, and heartbroken by the disbelievers’ oppression and their own apparent helplessness, their core message remains universally applicable in every era. Even today, those who strive to uphold the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) may encounter, and indeed have encountered, similar trials.
Therefore, the verses implicitly console believers by asking why the words of petty, insignificant people should dishearten them. They hold such a lofty status that the bearers of Allah’s Throne and the angels surrounding it stand as their allies, interceding on their behalf before the Almighty. Mentioning these elite angels, rather than ordinary ones, serves to highlight that not only do the general employees of Allah’s vast empire sympathize with the believers, but those in His immediate proximity, who serve as the pillars of that realm and enjoy the closest proximity to the Lord of the universe, harbor profound interest and deep compassion for them.
The verses further note that these angels believe in Allah and pray for the faithful’s forgiveness. This underscores that faith is the ultimate bond uniting the inhabitants of heaven and earth. This very relationship inspires the angels stationed around the Throne to take a deep interest in mortal human beings who share their faith in Allah. By accepting faith, these angels acknowledged the absolute power and sovereignty of the One, Peerless God, recognizing no other authority to command them or to obey. When believing humans choose this same path, a profound ideological and spiritual bond is forged between them and the angels, bridging vast ethnic differences and spatial distances.
The language of the angels’ supplication is intensely emotional, even though angels lack human-like emotions. Their plea reads: ‘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.’ This implies that Allah’s servants’ weaknesses, deviations, and mistakes are not hidden from Him; He knows everything. Yet, just as His knowledge is all-encompassing, so is His mercy. Therefore, despite knowing their flaws, He is urged to forgive these helpless souls. Another interpretation is that, because of His omniscience, He should extend grace and mercy to all those He knows have sincerely repented and genuinely adopted His path.
While forgiveness and salvation from the Hellfire are inherently intertwined, making the latter’s mention seemingly redundant, this phrasing powerfully reflects the angels’ deep, heartfelt devotion to the believers. As is customary when someone is deeply invested in a matter and gains audience with a ruler, they repeatedly reiterate their plea in various earnest ways, finding no satisfaction in stating a single point only once. This supplication clearly bears the hallmark of such an impassioned, persistent appeal.
Evidently, granting forgiveness and deliverance from Hellfire naturally and inevitably implies admission into Paradise. Moreover, while it may seem redundant for the angels to pray for blessings Allah has already promised believers, their profound benevolence and goodwill drive them to supplicate continuously on the believers’ behalf, even though they know Allah will undoubtedly bestow these favors upon them.
(To be continued)
