Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
Can you tell me about the Angels Raqeeb and ‘Ateed (Kiramun Katibeen)?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
The names of the two angels that you mention are Raqeeb (Watching) and ‘Ateed (Ready to record), who are appointed to record everything that the son of Adam does, good and evil. The characteristics apply to both. The angel on the right is watching and ready to record, and the angel on the left is watching and ready to record.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), said, “Avoid being naked, for with you are those who never leave you (the recording angels) except when you are relieving yourselves and when a man has intercourse with his wife; so observe modesty before them and honour them.” [Tirmidhi]
It states in the Reliance of the Traveller [u3.3]:
To believe in His angels means in beings with bodies of light who are capable of changing form to assume various appearances. Believe means to be convinced that they exist, and are honoured servants who do not disobey what Allah orders them to do, but do whatever they are commanded.
Only Allah Most High knows how many there are, but a hadith relates that there is not a foot of space in the seven heavens that does not contain an angel standing in prayer, bowing, or prostrating. We are obliged to know ten individual angels:
- Jibril (Gabriel)
- Mika’il
- Israfil
- ‘Azra’il
- Munkar
- Nakir
- Ridwan
- Malik
- and 10. and the two scribes who record one’s good and bad deeds, each of whom is called a “present observer.”
Please see these links as well:
What Do You Mean by Kiraman Katibeen angels?
Do the Angels Wait Before Writing down a Bad Deed?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani