In this mortal realm, there are countless things that remain unseen to our eyes despite being present. Some objects are so minuscule that they can only be observed under a microscope, while others are so distant that they require a telescope to be viewed. Yet, there are numerous realities that remain imperceptible even through optical instruments; however, this by no means justifies denying their existence.
For instance, we inhabit an atmosphere where the wind blows, yet we cannot physically see the wind. Similarly, fish reside in water and cannot survive separated from it, yet they do not perceive the water itself. It is from the profound divine wisdom of the Almighty that were the air visible to us, it would act as a veil before our eyes; likewise, if water were visible to fish, it would appear as an obstruction before them. Consequently, humans would be unable to navigate through the air, and fish would be unable to swim in water, as this veil would resemble an impenetrable barrier. If one cannot see ahead, how could anyone advance? If fish could not see the path forward, how could they swim?
It is the supreme wisdom of the Creator of the universe that He calibrated the power of our vision to harmonize with our environment. By this exact divine decree, our eyes were fashioned such that we cannot see the angels. Supposing angels were visible to us, would anyone still possess the ability to act through free will and personal choice? Therefore, Allah has concealed the angels from our sight so that we may carry out our actions with free agency.
A careful study of the Holy Qur'an reveals that the angels are entirely obedient to the command of Allah, the Lord of Glory. They await His divine directives, and when necessary, by the command of God, they assist human beings—just as Allah aided the Muslims at the Battle of Badr through angels, even though they remained invisible to the people. The Almighty created angels to assist mankind; whenever He wills to help someone, He commands the angels, and they execute His order without hesitation. In verse 61 of Surah Al-An'am, the Holy Qur'an states that angels are appointed as guardians over humankind. In a similar vein, we frequently learn of the Kiram-an Katibin (the Noble Scribes) seated upon our shoulders, recording every action we perform—to the extent that even a single breath or whisper is inscribed, leaving neither a righteous deed nor a misdeed unrecorded.
If an individual completely immerses themselves in the obedience of their Creator—such that their rising, sitting, sleeping, waking, and every action aligns with the divine will, accompanied by absolute trust (tawakkul) in God—then should they grow fatigued by household chores or overcome by sleep, the angels descend by the order of Allah to render assistance. This was manifested in the life of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her): whenever she grew exhausted from domestic labor or fell asleep, angels would arrive by divine command to turn the millstone or rock the cradles of al-Hasan and al-Husayn (peace be upon them). Onlookers would observe the Lady resting while the millstone turned on its own. When people inquired about this from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), he replied: "These are the angels who come to assist my daughter, Fatima."
On other occasions, these very angels approached the house of Fatima al-Zahra disguised as beggars to seek aid. Lady Fatima would offer the loaf of bread set before her, and alongside her, Imam Ali (peace be upon him), Imam al-Hasan, Imam al-Husayn, and their devoted maidservant, Lady Fidhdha, would also give their loaves to the petitioner. They did this despite being in a state of fasting—not merely for one day, but consecutively for three days, breaking their fast each evening with only water and salt while donating their food to the destitute, the orphan, and the captive. This selfless act was so beloved by Allah that an entire chapter was revealed in their honor, known as Surah al-Dahr (also referred to as Surah Hal Ata or Surah al-Insan).
And our duty is only to convey the message clearly.
O Allah, curse the killers of Fatima al-Zahra.
