Kitab-i-Iqan/Page5/GPT4 87

In the verse you've quoted, "He sends His angels..." and so forth, the 'angels' in question refer to those souls who, through spiritual power, have burnt away their human attributes in the fire of Divine love and have embodied the exalted and cherubic traits. As Imam Sadiq says in describing the cherubim: "There are some among our followers who are behind the Divine Throne."

While the phrase 'behind the Throne' has many intended meanings, both exoteric and esoteric, in one context, it signifies the absence of true followers (Shi'a). In another context, he says: "The believer is like red sulfur." Then he asks his listener: "Have you seen red sulfur?" Pay attention to this metaphor, which, being more eloquent than explicit description, implies the non-existence of true believers. This is a saying of that Imam.

Now, observe how many of these unjust people, who have not perceived the fragrance of faith, nonetheless ascribe disbelief to those who, according to the Imam's words, would be considered to possess true faith.