“A believer is more honored by God than some of His angels.”1
In a similar vein, a Qudsi Hadith states, “My believing servant is more beloved to Me than some of My angels.”2 Supporting this, other Hadiths convey: “A true believer is more esteemed by God than some angels.” 3 and “A true believer is more honored by God than even His close angels.” 4
Angels are noble servants of God who carry out His commands without fail, never disobeying Him. They are perpetually engaged in worship, acting both as the intermediaries of God’s majestic workings in the universe and as witnesses who glorify His grandeur. Fully aware of the magnificence and beauty of God’s creation, they respond to Him with unceasing devotion befitting His majesty. Sin cannot touch them, as their nature and abilities are inherently closed to wrongdoing. Humans, on the other hand, are beings endowed with free will. This grants humans the unique opportunity to surpass even the angels by performing righteous deeds, while also exposing them to the risk of descending to levels lower than animals through evil actions. This dual potential is what sets humans apart. Humans are expected to use their free will to recognize and praise God’s actions and the beauties of creation and to express their gratitude through worship. By resisting the deceptions of the ego and Satan, fulfilling the responsibility of their will, and perceiving the Creator behind all causes, humans can open and transcend all veils to witness the Divine. This is what makes them “honored” before God.
Thus, a person should never consider themselves insignificant. Due to the innate capacities and abilities endowed by God, humans hold immense value in His sight. Recognizing this, a person should turn toward their noble essence, which allows them to surpass even angels, and strive to lead a life resembling the purity and devotion of the angels.
One day, the respected Abdullah ibn Umar looked at the House of God, the Ka’ba, and addressed it, saying: “You and your sanctity are so exalted and majestic! But there is one thing: the believer surpasses you in sanctity and majesty.” 5
The following Hadith indirectly supports this perspective: “A believer may appear disheveled, covered in dust, wearing two worn garments, seemingly destitute. Yet, if they swear by God regarding a matter, God will not allow their oath to be false.” 6
The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) words, “The angels lower their wings in approval for those who seek knowledge,” also indicate the superiority of select individuals over angels. Prophets, companions, scholars, martyrs, those who act uprightly in religion, pious believers, and those who perform righteous deeds rise to a rank that even surpasses the angels. Conversely, those who are devoid of good deeds and moral character fall behind the angels, while individuals like Abu Jahl, characterized by their extreme wickedness, descend to a level even lower than that of animals.
Selçuk Camcı
Selçuk Camcı graduated from the Faculty of Theology in 1992. He completed his master’s degree in the field of Hadith Studies and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Islamic Law. Camcı has worked as an editor for various religious publications, including Yeni Ümit magazine. Additionally, he received training in chaplaincy (spiritual guidance) in the United States.
Footnotes:
1.Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Fitan (Book of Trials), 7.
2.Ali al-Muttaqi, Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 1, p. 145.
3.Al-Haythami, Majma‘ al-Zawa’id, Vol. 1, p. 82.
4.Ali al-Muttaqi, Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 1, p. 164.
5.Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Birr wa al-Silah (Book on Righteousness), 85.
6.Ali al-Muttaqi, Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 1, p. 161.
7.Abu Dawud, Kitab al-Ilm (Book of Knowledge), 1.