What Are Angels?

After hearing the word "angels" in a dua, Baby Mo asked, "Umi, what are angels? Why have I never seen them?"

Umi led him to the window. "Look outside. Can you see the wind?"

Baby Mo squinted. "No… but I can see the leaves swaying!"

"That's just like the angels," said Umi. "Allah created them from light. We can't see them, but they're there, always obeying Allah's commands. Some angels protect us, some bring mercy… and two special angels always stay with every child."

"Two angels? With me?" Baby Mo glanced at his left and right shoulders.

"Yes. The one on the right writes down every good thing you do, and the one on the left writes down mistakes. So every time you do good…" Umi pretended to write in the air, "…swish! Recorded as a star of goodness."

Baby Mo's eyes went round. Then, quietly, he had a plan.

All that day, he did lots of good — tidying toys, sharing a biscuit, saying thank you. And each time, he whispered with a little smile, "Please write that down."

When he was about to get angry at Baby Ais for grabbing his crayon, Baby Mo stopped. He remembered the angel on the left, ready to write. He took a breath, then said gently, "It's okay, Ais, you use it first." And he felt relieved.

At bedtime, Baby Mo said, "Umi, even though I can't see them, they can see me. So I want to be a good boy — to fill up my book of good deeds."

Umi kissed his forehead. "Masha'Allah, dear. That's the gift of believing in the unseen: we become good, even when no one visible is watching."

For everyone there are angels who guard them in turns.

Now, invite your little one: each time you do good today, whisper, "Please write that down." See how many good deeds you can gather. ✨