بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem
Indeed, We were with you in this world, and We are with you in the Hereafter.
(Surah Fussilat 41:30)
As the sacred month of Ramadan draws to a close, a great departure is taking place. The angels, our unseen companions, are leaving. The skies, once filled with the graceful descent of these celestial beings, will soon return to their natural state. Ramadan, the month of mercy and light, brought with it countless angels who stepped onto the earth for the first time, bearing witness to the prayers, tears, and devotion of the believers.
But now, they depart.
A Time of Protection and Peace
During Ramadan, we lived under the protective veil of Allah's mercy. The devils were chained, the gates of Hell sealed shut, and the gates of Heaven thrown wide open. It was a time of unparalleled opportunity—a time when even the angels marveled at the resilience of those who gave up food and drink for the sake of their Lord.
"When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1899)
For one month, we lived in a world of heightened spirituality, shielded from the relentless whispers of the devil. Every act of worship, every tear of repentance, and every whispered supplication was magnified. The angels surrounded us, filled our homes, and recorded our deeds with joy and reverence.
But now, as the month ends, the chains will be removed, and the devils will return. The spiritual battlefield reopens, and our resilience will be tested. The angels who witnessed our prayers and stood in awe of our devotion will return to their celestial stations.
The Angels Who Never Visited Earth Before
Some angels, pure and untarnished, had never descended before. Their eyes, accustomed to the perpetual light of the heavens, witnessed the dim glow of earthly existence for the first time. They saw the weary hands lifted in prayer, the trembling voices calling upon Allah, and the humbled foreheads pressed to the ground in prostration.
For them, it was a sight of wonder.
"On Laylatul Qadr, the number of angels that descend is greater than the number of pebbles on the Earth."
(Musnad Ahmad 3701)
But for some, this was also a farewell. They will never return to Earth, nor will they ever forget the sight of a servant breaking down in tears, pleading for forgiveness. They return to Allah bearing testimony of our faith, our struggles, and our yearning for nearness to Him.
A Shift from Peace to Chaos
The devils, furious and bitter from their confinement, will emerge. They will resume their mission of misguidance, seeking to undo the growth we cultivated in Ramadan. While the gates of Hell remain closed until the appointed time, the pathways of temptation will reopen. The whispers will grow louder, the distractions more frequent.
But we are not abandoned.
Two angels remain. They were with us before Ramadan and will continue their silent presence, recording our every deed.
"And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers. Noble and recording. They know whatever you do."
(Surah Al-Infitar 82:10-12)
These angels, one on our right and one on our left, will document the choices we make—the moments we falter and the moments we rise in remembrance. While the multitude of Ramadan's angels may depart, these companions will never leave our side.
The Certainty of Death and Awakening
We are reminded that life is fragile. Just as angels come and go, so too will our time on this Earth. For some, the end is near. For others, it remains a distant certainty. Yet death is the great awakening—a return to the truth that many deny in life.
"Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [success]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion?"
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:185)
Some will wake to the horror of their deeds. Others will wake to the infinite mercy of Allah, embraced by the rewards of their patience and devotion. Ramadan was a training ground—a reminder that every fast, every prayer, and every moment of self-restraint was not in vain.
A Congratulations to the Patient
To those who fasted with sincerity, congratulations. You stood in the face of hunger and thirst, not for the eyes of people, but for the pleasure of Allah. Your patience is now a testimony, and the angels who recorded your deeds will stand witness on your behalf.
"Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account."
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:10)
You refrained from food and drink, but beyond that, you refrained from anger, gossip, and sinful indulgences. You embodied the very leadership that the world desperately needs—the leadership of self-restraint and sacrifice.
A Final Plea to the Angels
Before they leave, let us offer one last prayer. Let us fill our homes with the remembrance of Allah, so the angels may return to their Lord bearing beautiful testimony.
"When a believer gathers to remember Allah, the angels surround them, mercy descends upon them, and Allah mentions them to those near Him."
(Sahih Muslim 2700)
Ya Allah, accept our prayers. Accept our fasts. Let the angels testify on our behalf, and let them leave us with smiles upon their faces. O Allah, make us steadfast as the devils are unchained, and let our Ramadan spirit remain alive within us.
'Ameen Ya Rabbul Alameen' (آمين يا رب العالمين) translates to ' Ameen, O, Lord of the Worlds'
