According to Muslim belief what part do angels play in the everyday lives of human beings?

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Candidates could begin their answer by saying that belief in angels is an Article of Faith and that Muslims believe in them as both God and the Prophet have provided Muslims with information about them. Angels play a significant role in the everyday lives of human beings e.g. according to Muslim belief they breathe life into the foetus a few months after conception with the permission of God; an angel then writes the answer to four questions in this human being's book of deeds: Will it be male or female? Will this person be happy or sad? How long will his/her life be and will the person perform good or bad deeds. Angels are also responsible for guarding people throughout their lives; Candidates could quote the Qur'an here, Sura 13 verse 11. Each person has been assigned two recording angels; apart from the four angels constantly guarding and recording, other angels visit human beings to witness the prayer and listen to recited verses of the Qur'an. It could also be said that angels helped the Prophet and his small band of followers in the Battle of Badr and helped them gain victory. Angel Azrael has the task of taking life with the permission of Allah. Candidates could write about other angels e.g. Mikail who provide daily sustenance to humankind by bringing forth rain.
2. [4] Candidates could say that the primary link between angels and prophets is that angels are a means of communication between God and the prophets. God sent angels to prophet Ibrahim to inform him of the birth of his son, angels were sent throughout history to other prophets like Lot etc. Gabriel was the angel who visited Mary and brought the revelation to Prophet Muhammad. All valid responses to be credited.