How To Receive The Du’as Of The Angels
Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum WA-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu.
Praise be to Allaah; we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His slave and Messenger.
Help us Answer the Ummah! Every second, everywhere someone needs an answer. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “A person who leads others to doing what is good will earn the same reward as those who do it.” (Muslim, 1893).
وَلَا تَهِنُواْ وَلَا تَحۡزَنُواْ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلۡأَعۡلَوۡنَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ (١٣٩)
“Do not lose hope, nor be sad. You will surely be victorious if you are true in Faith.” And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].” [Holy Quran Chapter Al Imran Ayah 139]
إِن يَنصُرۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمۡۖ وَإِن يَخۡذُلۡكُمۡ فَمَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَنصُرُكُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِهِۦۗ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلۡيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ (١٦٠)
“If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.”
[Holy Quran Chapter Imran Ayah 160]
Preamble
This article is from the many ones that were inspired by my Beloved Father (rahimahullah). He commenced the discussion on this particular one whilst I was at his side during a dialysis session. Such was his love for ‘ilm that he engaged in its discussions everywhere, and not just in a classroom or from a mimbar.
May Allah Ta’ala fill his grave with nur, and raise his ranks in Jannah.
Angels are the pure creation of Allah Ta’ala, who are dedicated to fulfil any task that Allah Ta’ala orders them with. When Allah Ta’ala announced to them His decision to create mankind, they claimed that mankind will engage in evil [rather than good].
وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَـئِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِى الأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً, قَالُواْ أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ الدِّمَآءَ, وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ, قَالَ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ
‘And (remember) when your Rabb said to the angels: ‘Certainly, I am going to place a vicegerent on Earth.’
They asked: ‘Will You create there one who will spread disorder on the Earth and cause bloodsheds while we, along with Your praises, proclaim Your purity and sanctify Your name.’
Allah replied: ‘Certainly, I know what you do not know.’(Surah Baqarah, Ayah: 30)
Allah Ta’ala frequently illustrates this to His angels in different ways.
The following Hadith is one such example:
Sayyiduna Mu’awiyah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu’ alayhi wasallam) saw a gathering in the Masjid, and enquired: ‘What has gathered you all here?’ They replied; ‘We are sitting engaged in the remembrance of Allah, and praising Him for guiding us to Islam and for His other favours.’
Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) enquired: ‘By Allah! Is that the only reason for gathering?’
‘By Allah! that is the only reason.’ they replied.
Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said: ‘Behold! I did not ask you all to take an oath, out of suspicion on you, but Jibril came to me and informed me that Allah ‘Azza wa Jalla is boasting of you by the Angels.’(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 6797).
The reason for Allah boasting of this in the presence of the Angels, is to remind them of what they claimed [about man committing vice on earth], and to show to them what [virtue] mankind is now engage in.
Among the ways in which Allah Ta’ala proves this to the angels is by instructing them to make du’a for those among mankind who are engaged in good.
Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran:
الَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ الْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ رَّحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا فَاغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا وَاتَّبَعُوا سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيمِ
‘Those [Angels] who carry the throne and those around it exalt with praise of their Rabb and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed, [saying], “Our Rabb, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Jahannam.’(Surah Mumin, Ayah: 7).
Receive The Du’a Of The Angels With The Following Deeds:
There are several deeds for which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had promised the doer will receive the du’a of the angels.
Among them are the following:
1. Teaching Good To Others
عن أبي أمامة الباهلي رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم أنه قال: إن الله و ملائكته و أهل السماوات و الأرضين حتى النملة في جحرها و حتى الحوت ليصلون على معلم الناس الخير. رواه الترمذي (٢٦٨٥) و قال حسن صحيح غريب كما في تحقة الأشراف (٤٩٠٧).
Sayyiduna Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Verily Allah Ta’ala sends His special mercy; and His angels along with all of the inhabitants of the heavens and earths -to such an extent even the ant in its hole and the fish- all make du’a upon/for the one who teaches the people good things.”(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2685)
2. Making Du’a For Others
عن أبي الدرداء رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال: ما من عبد يدعو لأخيه بظهر الغيب إلا قال الملك و لك بمثل. رواه مسلم (٢٧٣٣).
Sayyiduna Abu Darda (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “No person (servant of Allah) makes du’a for his brother in his absence except that the angels make du’a saying: May you receive the same.”(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2733)
3. Visiting A Sick Muslim
عن علي رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال: ما من مسلم يعود مسلما غدوة إلا صلى عليه سبعون ألف ملك حتى يمسى وإن عاده عشية إلا صلى عليه سبعون ألف ملك حتى يصبح وكان له خريف في الجنة. رواه الترمذي (٩٦٩) و قال حديث حسن غريب.
Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “When a Muslim visits a sick Muslim at dawn, 70,000 angels make du’a of forgiveness for him till dusk. If he visits him in the evening, 70,000 angels make du’a of forgiveness for him till the morning, and he will be granted a garden in Jannah.”(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 969)
4. Visiting A Fellow Muslim
روي عن أبي رزين العقيلي رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم: يا أبا رزين! إن المسلم إذا زار أخاه المسلم شيّعه سبعون ألف ملك يصلون عليه و يقولون: اللهم كما وصله فيك فصله. الطبراني في الأوسط (٨٣٢٠) و قال الهيثمي: فيه عمرو بن الحصني و هو متروك، و ذكره المنذري بصيغة التمريض (٣٧٩٢).
It has been mentioned in a narration reported by Sayyiduna Abu Ruzayn Al-‘Uqayli (radiyallahu ‘anhu) that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) called out to him and said: O Abu Ruzayn! Verily when a Muslim sets out to visit his brother in Islam 70,000 angels attend to him making du’a saying: O Allah! Just as he has attempted to maintain ties for Your sake, join ties with him. (Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 8320)
5. Completing A Recital (Khatm) Of The Entire Quran
عن سعد بن أبي وقاص رضي الله عنه قال: إذا وافق ختم القرآن أول الليل صلت عليه الملائكة حتى يصبح وان وافق ختمه آخر الليل صلت عليه الملائكة حتى يمسي فربما بقي على أحدنا الشيء فيؤخره حتى يمسي أو يصبح. رواه الدارمي (٣٤٨٣) و قال: هذا حسن عن سعد و حسنه السيوطي في الإتقان (١/ ١٥٦) النوع الخامس و الثلاثون تحت مسألة أفضل أوقات قرائة القرآن قبيل فصل الاقتباس. موقوف في حكم المرفوع.
Sayyiduna Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has said: “When a person completes the Quran in the evening, the angels seek forgiveness for this person till the morning, and when he completes the Quran in the morning, the angels seek forgiveness for this person till the evening.” (Sunan Darimi, Hadith: 3483)
6. Reciting The Following, In The Morning And Evening
عن معقل بن يسار رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال: من قال حين يصبح ثلاث مرات أعوذ بالله السميع العليم من الشيطان الرجيم وقرأ ثلاث آيات من آخر سورة الحشر وكل الله به سبعين ألف ملك يصلون عليه حتى يمسي وإن مات في ذلك اليوم مات شهيدا ومن قالها حين يمسي كان بتلك المنزلة. رواه الترمذي (٢٩٢٢) و قال هذا حديث غريب لا نعرفه إلا من هذا الوجه.
It has been mentioned in a narration reported by Sayyiduna Ma’qal bin Yasar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) has mentioned: “Whoever recites A’udhu billahis sami’il ‘alim minash shaytanir rajim three times along with the last three versus of Surah Hashar when he awakes in the morning, then Allah Ta’ala appoints 70,000 angels to make du’a for him (and his forgiveness) until the evening. And if he dies on that day, he would have died as a Martyr. Whoever recites it in the evening will hold the same status (until the morning). (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2922)
7. Sleeping With Wudu
عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال: طهّروا هذه الاجساد طهّركم الله فانه ليس من عبد يبيت طاهرا الا بات معه في شعاره ملك لا ينقلب ساعة من الليل إلا قال اللهم اغفر لعبدك فإنه بات طاهرا. رواه الطبراني قي الأوسط (٥٠٨٧) و قال الهيثمي إسناده حسن (١٠/ ١١٢٨) وانظر فتح الباري (٢/ ١٣٢).
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Purify your bodies, Allah will purify you, for verily any person who sleeps in a condition of purity will indeed have an angel spending the night by his side and whenever he turns over at any moment during the night the angel says, ‘O Allah forgive your servant for verily he has spent the night in the state of purity.” (Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 5087. Also see Fathul Bari, vol. 2 pg. 132)
8. Reciting The Following Du’a When Going To The Masjid
عن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ما خرج رجل من بيته إلى الصلاة ، فقال : اللهم إني أسألك بحق السائلين عليك ، وبحق ممشاي هذا ، فإني لم أخرج أشرا ولا بطرا ولا رياء ولا سمعة ، خرجت اتقاء سخطك، وابتغاء مرضاتك ، أسألك أن تنقذني من النار ، وأن تغفر لي ذنوبي ، إنه لا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت ، إلا وكل به سبعون ألف ملك يستغفرون له ، وأقبل الله عز وجل عليه بوجهه حتى يقضي صلاته. رواه ابن ماجه (٧٧٨) و ابن السني (٨٥) و حسّن إسناد ابن ماجه الدمياطي في المتجر الرابح (١٣٢٠) حيث قال: و إسناده حسن إن شاء الله.
Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “No man leaves his home intending to perform Salah with congregation in the masjid reciting these words:
“Allahumma Inni As Aluka Bi Haqqis Sawilina Alayka Wa Bi Haqqi Mamshaya Hadtha Fa Inni Lam Akhruju Asharan Wa La Bataran Wa La Riya An Wa La Sum’atan, Kharajtu Itqa A Sakhattik Wabtigha A Mardhatika As Aluka An Tanqudha Ni Mina Nar An Tagfira Li Dhunubi Innahu La Yagfiru Dhunuba Illa Anta”
Except that Allah Ta’ala appoints 70,000 angels to seek forgiveness for him and Allah Azza wa Jalla directs his special mercy towards him until he completes his Salah.
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 778 and Ibnus Sunni, Hadith: 85).
9. While Waiting For Salah
عن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: لا يزال العبد فى صلاة ما كان فى مصلاه ينتظر الصلاة وتقول الملائكة اللهم اغفر له اللهم ارحمه حتى ينصرف أو يحدث . قلت ما “يحدث”؟ قال يفسو أو يضرط. رواه مسلم (١٥٠٧).
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “A person will continuously receive the reward of being in Salah as long as he remains in his place of prayer waiting for the Salah and the angels will continue making du’a for forgiveness and mercy on his behalf until he leaves or he makes “hadath”. When Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) what is meant by “hadath” he (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) responded: “Passing wind.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1507)
10. Remaining In The Spot Of Salah With Wudu, After Salah
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال: الملائكة تصلي على أحدكم ما دام في مصلاه الذي صلى فيه ما لم يحدث اللهم أغفر له اللهم أرحمه قال مالك لا أرى قوله ما لم يحدث إلا الإحداث الذي ينقض الوضوء. رواه مالك (٤٤١) و انظر الترغيب و الترهيب (٦٢٦).
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The angels continuously make du’a for one of you as long as he remains in the masjid where he performed his Salah until he makes “hadath” saying: “O Allah! Forgive him. O Allah! Have mercy on him.” Malik (rahimahullah) said: I believe “hadath” can only be referring to those things which break a person’s wudu. (Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith: 441, also see At-Targhib Wat Tarhib, Hadith: 626)
11. Standing In The Right Saff (Row) For Salah
عن عائشة رضي الله عنها عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إن الله وملائكته يصلون على ميامن الصفوف. رواه أبو داود (٦٧٦) و ابن ماجه (١٠٠٥) و قال المنذري (٦٩٧): رواه أبو داود و ابن ماجه بإسناد حسن.
Sayyidatina ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said that: Verily Allah sends His special mercy and the angels seek forgiveness for those on the right side of the saff. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 676 and Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1005)
12. Standing In The Front Saffs (Rows) For Salah
عن أبي أمامة الباهلي رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال: إن الله وملائكته يصلون على الصف الأول، قالوا: يا رسول الله وعلى الثاني؟ قال: إن الله وملائكته يصلون على الصف الأول، قالوا: يا رسول الله وعلى الثاني؟ قال: إن الله وملائكته يصلون على الصف الأول، قالوا: يا رسول الله وعلى الثاني؟ قال وعلى الثاني. رواه أحمد (٢٢٢٦٣) و الطبراني (٧٧٢٧) و قال الهيثمي (٢/ ٩١) رواه أحمد و الطبراني في الكبير و رجال أحمد موثقون و الرواية الثانية صحيحة.
Sayyiduna Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (radiyallahu ‘anha) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Indeed Allah sends His special mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who pray in the first saff”. The Sahabah asked: “What about the second saff?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied: “Indeed Allah sends His special mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who pray in the first saff”. The Sahabah again asked: “What about the second saff?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) again replied: “Indeed Allah sends His special mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who pray in the first saff.” The Sahabah again asked: “What about the second saff?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) then said: “And also for the second saff.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 22263 and Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 7727)
13. Partaking Of Sehri [Sahoor]
عن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم أنه قال: إن الله و ملائكته يصلون على المتسحرين. رواه ابن حبان (١٥٣).
Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Verily Allah Ta’ala sends His mercy; and His angels all make du’a upon/for those who make Sehri.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 153)
عن أبي سعيد الخضري رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال: السحور أكله بركة فلا تدعوه و لو أن يجرع أحدكم جرعة من ماء فإن الله عز و جل و ملائكته يصلون على المتسحرين. رواه أحمد (٣/ ١٢) و (٣/ ٤٣) و قال المنذري: إسناده قوي (١٥٨٣).
Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) has said: “The Sehri meal is full of barakah. Hence, do not omit the Sehri; even if one is able to have a sip of water at the time of Sehri, one should do so, for certainly Allah Ta’ala descends His special mercy upon those who have Sehri and the angels make special du’a for them.”(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3 pg. 12 and vol. 3 pg. 43)
14. When Someone Eats In The Presence Of A Fasting Person
عن أم عمّارة بنت كعب رضي الله عنها أن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم دخل عليها فقدمت إليه طعاما فقال كلي فقالت إني صائمة فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم إن الصائم تصلي عليه الملائكة إذا أكل عنده حتى يفرغوا وربما قال حتى يشبعوا. رواه الترمذي (٧٨٥) و قال: هذا حديث حسن صحيح.
Sayyidatuna Ummu ‘Ammarah (radiyallahu ‘anha) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) visited her so she presented him some food. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) then told her to eat (as well with him) to which she replied: “I am fasting”. (Upon hearing this) Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Verily the angels make du’a for the one who is fasting as long as food is eaten in front of him”. (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 785)
15. After Making Salam, But Not Receiving A Reply
وعن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: السلام اسم من أسماء الله تعالى وضعه في الأرض فأفشوه بينكم، فإن الرجل المسلم إذا مر بقوم فسلم عليهم فردوا عليه، كان له عليهم فضل درجة بتذكيره إياهم، فإن لم يردوا عليه رد عليه من هو خير منهم وأطيب. رواه البزار (١٧٧١) و الطبراني (١٠٣٩١) و قال الهيثمي (٨/ ٢٩) : رواه البزار بإسنادين و الطبراني بأسانيد و أحدهما رجاله رجال الصحيح عند البزار و الطبراني و قال المنذري (٣٩٩١) : و أحد إسنادي البزار جيد قويّ.
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “As-Salam is one of the names of Allah Ta’ala that has been placed on Earth. So, spread it amongst yourselves! For indeed when a Muslim passes by a group of people and greets them (first) with Salam and they reply to him, he will supersede their rank by virtue of merely reminding them of the Salam. If they do not reply to him, then those (angels) who are better and more purer will have replied!” (Musnad Bazzar, Hadith: 1771 and Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 10391)
16. Giving Charity
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال: ما من يوم يصبح العباد فيه إلا ملكان ينزلان فيقول أحدهما: اللهم أعط منفقا خلفا و يقول الآخر: اللهم أعط ممسكا تلفا. رواه البخاري (١٤٤٢) ومسلم (١٠١٠).
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Not a single day goes past when people wake up except that two angels descend; one of them (making du’a) saying: O Allah! Grant the one who spends (in avenues of good) a replacement/replenishment! Whilst the other one (curses) saying: O Allah! Send forth destruction for the one who misses (excessively). (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1442 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1010)
17. After Sneezing And Not Receiving A Reply, For Saying: Alhamdulillah
عن إبراهيم رحمه الله قال: إذا عطس و هو وحده فليقل: الحمد لله رب العالمين، ثم ليقل: يرحمنا الله و إياكم، فإنه يشمّته من سمعه من خلق الله. رواه ابن أبي شيبة (٢٦٥١٧) و قال شيخنا الناقد محمد عوّامة حفظه الله: رجاله ثقات.
The famous Tabi’i; Ibrahim (rahimahullah) has said: “When a person sneezes whilst he is alone then he should say:
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalamin, yarhamunAllahu wa iyyakum
for indeed those creations (including the angels) of Allah Ta’ala who heard him will reply to his sneeze (making du’a for him). (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 26517)
18. When Writing The Salutations Upon Nabi (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam)
عن جعفر بن محمد الصادق رحمه الله قال: من صلى على رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم في كتاب صلت عليه الملائكة غدوة و رواحا ما دام اسم رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم في ذلك الكتاب.
ذكره ابن الجوزي في جلاء الأفهام (ص ٥٦) و السخاوي في القول البديع (ص ٤٨٤) و انظر التدريب (٤/ ٣٧٠، ٣٧٤-٣٧٢).
Ja’far ibn Muhammad As-Sadiq (rahimahullah) has said: “Whoever writes salutations upon Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) in a book, the angels will continue to make du’a for him as long as the Name of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is in that book. (Al-Qawlul Badi’, pg. 484 and Jila-ul Afham, pg. 56. Also see At-Tadrib, vol.4 pgs 370 and 372-374)
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