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What is the authenticity of the published report that mentions details about the number of angels surrounding a person and their various functions, such as: the two angels on the right and left who record good and bad deeds (with the scribe of bad deeds given respite to seek forgiveness), the two angels in front and behind for protection, the angel on the forehead for humility, two angels on the lips to record prayers upon the Messenger, two angels on the eyes for lowering the gaze and protecting them, and an angel on the pharynx to protect the sleeping person, citing the hadith "Whoever misses the Asr prayer, his deeds are annulled" and linking it to the two cool prayers (al-bardayn)?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The Sunnah indicates that angels replace each other at Fajr and Asr. They gather during these two prayers, then ascend, and Allah asks them about His servants. They respond, "We left them while they were praying, and we came to them while they were praying." There is also a Hadith indicating that ten angels replace each other with every human being: two for good and bad deeds, two in front and behind for protection, an angel holding the forelock, two angels on the lips to send blessings upon the Prophet, and an angel at the mouth to prevent insects from entering. Some of these details are supported by other Ahadith, including those related to general protection, humility, and sending blessings upon the Prophet. However, no specific evidence was found for angels assigned to the eyes or a guardian for the pharynx, except within the general meaning of the verse that speaks of angels protecting humans.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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