Can Babies See the Angels?

Question

Tauhid Lab Assistant · Accepted Answer

> **TL;DR:** There is no authentic text that states “babies see angels.” Angels are real, constantly at work, and sometimes come near humans, but clear recognition of angels is exceptional and primarily granted to prophets; ordinary people may only sense their closeness without certainty [TAF5][RIS1][FAT5]. Parents should focus on creating homes that invite angelic mercy—avoiding dogs and prohibited images, maintaining remembrance, and making heartfelt supplication for their children—rather than making definitive claims about unseen perceptions [HAD3][HAD4][HAD2][FAT7].

## What the sources establish

- Angels (Mala’ika — luminous beings created from light who never disobey) are a real, unseen creation tasked with many functions and absolute obedience to God [RIS1][FAT5].  
- Angels can appear to prophets in recognizable forms (e.g., Jibrīl to the Prophet) and, at times, come near ordinary people in ways that may be felt but not certainly recognized as “angels” [TAF6][TAF5].  
- There is no authentic prophetic report that “babies see angels.” A popular narration about angels specially visiting a house when a girl is born is judged unreliable; thus it cannot be used as proof in this matter [FAT4].  
- At birth, every newborn is touched by Shayṭān (Satan — the accursed tempter), except Maryam and her son ‘Īsā; the exception is linked to the mother of Maryam’s supplication for divine protection, highlighting the importance of parental du‘ā (du‘ā — supplication) for children [HAD2].  
- An angel is appointed over the womb, recording sex, provision, lifespan, and ultimate outcome as God decrees, underscoring angelic involvement with human life from its earliest stage [HAD1].  
- Angels of mercy do not enter a house with a dog or images (of animate beings), and angels do not accompany travelers who keep a dog or a bell; these teachings outline practical conditions that affect angelic presence around us [HAD3][HAD4].  
- Angels descend with reassurance upon those who affirm, “Our Lord is Allah,” and remain steadfast—an example of how angelic descent brings tranquility by God’s leave, especially at decisive moments [TAF8].  
- Angels are frequently present where God is remembered and sacred knowledge is sought; their presence brings mercy and benefit to believers (Dhikr — remembrance of God) [FAT5][FAT7].

Putting these together: revelation confirms angels’ reality and nearness, yet offers no definitive statement that infants “see” them. Even for adults, when angels are near without manifest form, people may sense unusual peace without certain recognition that “this is an angel” [TAF5]. Caution is therefore required before asserting unseen perceptions for babies.

### Why claims about “baby smiles = seeing angels” need caution
- Smiling or gazing behaviors in infants have natural explanations; when asked why babies smile in sleep, a jurist responded simply that perhaps the child experiences something pleasant—avoiding claims about the unseen without proof [FAT1].  
- Since a report about angels greeting a newborn girl is not reliable, it cannot be used to infer a general rule about infants seeing angels [FAT4]. Discretion with the unseen preserves the integrity of faith.

## Foundation and wisdom: focusing on what is revealed
Revelation guides to certainty about angels’ existence, functions, and moments of descent while avoiding speculation on what has not been disclosed. This preserves humility before the unseen (ghayb) and directs parental energy toward actions that reliably invite mercy—prayer, remembrance, and righteous environments—rather than unprovable attributions about infant perceptions [TAF5][FAT5][FAT7].

The supplication of Maryam’s mother shows how parental du‘ā can bring protection and divine care to children; this is an actionable pattern for every family [HAD2]. Likewise, knowing angels are involved from the womb nurtures deep trust in divine care while motivating parents to steward their homes as places where angels love to be present [HAD1][HAD3][HAD4].

## Modern, practical applications

- Build an “angel-welcoming” home:
  - Keep prohibited images of animate beings out of living spaces and avoid keeping a dog indoors; this removes a barrier to the angels of mercy entering the home [HAD3].  
  - Refrain from bells on animals when traveling and avoid traveling with dogs if you desire angelic companionship on journeys [HAD4].

- Fill the house with remembrance and learning:
  - Host short, regular family moments of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and reading circles of beneficial knowledge; such gatherings are places angels frequent and through which mercy descends [FAT5][FAT7].

- Make specific parental du‘ā for your child:
  - Following the example tied to Maryam’s protection at birth, pray for your child’s safeguarding from Shayṭān and for blessing in their life (du‘ā — heartfelt

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Can Babies See the Angels?

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