Islam teaches that Allah pays close attention to the way we live. Those who believe in Allah are very careful with how they live daily. Many live in fear of breaking the religious laws. Breaking Allah’s laws creates the Muslim fear of hell. How can a Muslim be free of this fear?
Who are the “Two Islamic Recording Angels”?
They are Raqib and Atid (Kiraman-Katiban). The two angels accompany all people recording their good and bad deeds.
This belief is based on Surah Qaf 50:17: “Since the two scribes (Raqib and Atid) are sitting on each of his shoulders, he does not utter a word which is not recorded immediately by the watchful scribes” (M. Sarwar translation).
Muslims politely acknowledge Raqib and Atid at the end of every Salah.
These “Two Recording Angels” Fill Muslims with Fear
According to Islam, the way we live determines our eternal destiny. Aren’t we fearful or at least nervous if someone is always watching and writing down every mistake we make? These two angels follow Muslims 24 hours a day.
(Email us your thoughts if the presence of Raqib and Atid make you uneasy.)
What’s the Origin of Raqib and Atid?
What’s the Origin of Raqib and Atid?Prior to Islam, Jewish scholars wrote about these two angels. It is not clear where the idea came from because they weren’t written in the Torah, Zabur or the Books of the Prophets.
We are all convinced that God is omniscient, all-knowing. He does not need the help of Recording Angels to report our thoughts, feelings and activities. Because of that, most biblical scholars dismiss the existence of Raqib and Atid.
Two Crucial Books on Judgment Day
Two Crucial Books on Judgment DayAccording to God’s Word and Islamic faith, Isa Al-Masih will be the Judge on the Day of Judgment. Isa will judge all people, living and dead, on the contents of two decisive books.
One book lists our deeds. The other book is called the “Lamb’s Book of Life.” Those listed in this book are destined for eternal life in heaven. Anyone whose name is not listed on the book will be cast into the “Lake of Fire.” (Injil, Revelation 3:5; 20:5, 15, 21:27).
Whom we choose to put our faith in determines our eternal destiny not our actions in this life. If you have asked for the forgiveness of your sins and believe in Isa Al-Masih, the Kalimat Allah, as your Savior, your name is included in the “Lamb’s Book of Life.” You will then live forever in heaven after you die. You will no longer need to worry about Raqib and Atid!
Email us if you want to get more information on the “Lamb’s Book of Life.”
(Author – Jason Gilead)
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QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION
- Why does this Islamic teaching cause fear instead of peace? Why are followers of Islam nervous and fearful about their eternal destiny?
- Why do Muslim religious leaders believe in Raqib and Atid, even though they know that God is omniscient (all-knowing)?
- How can you be free from the Muslim fear of hell and make sure your name is written in “The Lamb’s Book of Life”?
We encourage our readers to comment on the article above. Comments that don’t directly relate to the topic will be removed.
[We invite you to visit us at https://www.isaandislam.com/way-of-salvation to learn more about God’s gift of Salvation. God loves you and waits to hear from you. Isa clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Injil, John 14:6). For a deeper understanding of Isa, we suggest you subscribe to “Isa, Islam, and Al-Fatiha” at this link.]
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Angels are power and forces place in creation by Allah that obey him without a free will. In the Quran they have been commanded to bow to the human type call Adam.The two recording angels could be the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. That are reported to record everything. Rather than cause fear as you say, and they may for the feeble minded for the more mature they cause awareness. That is all.
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Dear Dr. Hakim,
Thank you for your comment.
It is a good thing if these two angels raise awareness of doing good or bad. But how many good deeds must a Muslim do to make him/her certain to go to heaven? Do you have assurance you will go to heaven?
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Isa will not judge us on that final day. This person doesn’t know Islam and what we teach at a basic level.
Please ask a practicing Muslim person or go to an official Islamic scholar. Peace and health to all.
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Dear Amz,
Islamic scholars teach the wrong doctrines and practicing Muslims follow the wrong teachings.
The Quran instructs Muslims to read the Bible to find the truth (Qs 3:3) because Jesus was sent as the guidance and the light for the righteous (Qs 5:46). Muslims are commanded to obey Jesus because He is the Straight Way and the Sign at the Judgement Day (Qs 43:61-63, 3:55-56). Finally, anyone who rejects the Faith in Jesus will be severely punished (Qs 3:4, 2:87-90).
He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. Before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur’an. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution (Qs 3:3-4).
And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous (Qs 5:46).
And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path. And never let Satan avert you. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. And when Jesus brought clear proofs, he said, “I have come to you with wisdom and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ, so fear Allah and obey me (Qs 43:61-63).