Are there proofs indicating the superiority of the angels over the righteous among human beings?
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The questioner : Are there proofs indicating the superiority of the angels over the righteous among human beings?
The Shaykh : This issue, which is the comparison of the angels with the righteous among humans, is a matter of scholarly disagreement among the scholars, and each of them has presented his argument from the texts.
However, the stronger position is to say that the righteous among humans are superior to the angels in terms of the ultimate end, for Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) promises them a reward for which there is no equivalent for the angels, as far as we know. Indeed, the angels, in their abode, which is the abode of the righteous, namely Paradise, enter upon them from every gate, congratulating them:[Ar-Ra'd 13:24].
As for the beginning, the angels are superior because they were created from light and created with an innate disposition to obey Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and the strength to do so, as Allah the Exalted said regarding the angels, the angels of the Fire:[At-Tahrim 66:6] And He (Mighty and Majestic) said: [Al-Anbya 21:19-20] This is the decisive statement in this issue. And after that:
Delving into it and seeking to compare the righteous among humans with the angels is among the superfluous knowledge that a person is not compelled to understand or know, and Allah is the One to be sought for help.
The Shaykh : This issue, which is the comparison of the angels with the righteous among humans, is a matter of scholarly disagreement among the scholars, and each of them has presented his argument from the texts.
However, the stronger position is to say that the righteous among humans are superior to the angels in terms of the ultimate end, for Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) promises them a reward for which there is no equivalent for the angels, as far as we know. Indeed, the angels, in their abode, which is the abode of the righteous, namely Paradise, enter upon them from every gate, congratulating them:
"Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home."
سلام عليكم بما صبرتم فنعم عقبى الدارAs for the beginning, the angels are superior because they were created from light and created with an innate disposition to obey Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and the strength to do so, as Allah the Exalted said regarding the angels, the angels of the Fire:
over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.
عليها ملائكة غلاظ شداد لا يعصون الله ما أمرهم ويفعلون ما يؤمرونAnd those near Him are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, nor do they tire. (20) They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken.
ومن عنده لا يستكبرون عن عبادته ولا يستحسرون يسبحون الليل والنهار لا يفترونDelving into it and seeking to compare the righteous among humans with the angels is among the superfluous knowledge that a person is not compelled to understand or know, and Allah is the One to be sought for help.