for the same length of time, then an angel is dispatched to him,”—so goes the rest of the ḥadith.

Among the angels are those appointed to safeguard the deeds of the children of Adam. The Almighty says, “Yet verily there are guardians over you—noble, recording scribes” (Qur’an 82:10–11). They remain with you night and day.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Angels take turns among you: angels of the night and angels of the day. They gather at the dawn prayer and at the afternoon prayer, and they bear witness before Allah on behalf of those who perform these prayers.” For this reason the Most High said, “Recite the Qur’an at dawn, for the Qur’an recited at dawn is witnessed” (Qur’an 17:78)—that is, it is attended by both the angels of the night and the angels of the day.

Another group of angels is assigned to shield the children of Adam from harm. They protect him from calamities, from enemies, from pests, from wild beasts, and from snakes, for as long as any span of life remains to him, he has angels guarding him from danger.

A person may sleep in the wilderness among beasts and serpents—who is it that keeps the snakes, beasts, and insects from harming him? With him are angels whom Allah, exalted is He, has subjected to that task.