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?
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
According 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”?
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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?