[1]. It is narrated from Ummul Mu’mineen Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“When Allah intends to create someone, He sends an angel. That angel enters the womb and says: ‘O Lord, what will this be?’ Allah informs whether it will be a boy or a girl, or whatever Allah wishes to create in the womb. Then the angel asks: ‘O Lord, will this one be wretched or fortunate?’ Allah also reveals whether the person will be wretched or fortunate. The angel further inquires: ‘O Lord, what will be his provision?’ Allah also reveals that, detailing the amount. Then the angel asks: ‘O Lord, when will this one die?’ And Allah gives the answer, specifying the time. After this, the angel inquires about the person’s nature, to which Allah responds: ‘It will be what is destined with him in the womb.'” (Mushkil al-Athar, Tahawi, Number 3278)
[2]. Abu Tufayl reports that he came to Abu Sarihah Hudhayfah bin Usayd Ghaffari (may Allah be pleased with him), and he said:
“I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) with these two ears of mine saying: ‘The sperm stays in the womb for forty nights, after which the angel begins to mold its form.’ Zuhair says: ‘I believe he also said: The same angel is designated for its creation. The angel asks: ‘O my Lord, will it be a woman or a man?’ Then Allah determines whether it will be male or female. Then it says: ‘O my Lord, will this be complete in every aspect or will there be a deficiency?’ Allah also decides whether it will be complete or deficient. Afterwards, it inquires: ‘O my Sustainer, how much will be its provision? What will be the duration of its life and how will be its character?’ In response to these, Allah also decrees whether the person will be wretched or fortunate.'” (Muslim, Number 4790)
[3]. Abdullah bin Umar says that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“When Allah decides to create a soul, the angel present in the womb asks several questions, such as ‘O Sustainer, will it be male or female?’ Allah decides in response to this. Then it asks, ‘O my Lord, will it be fortunate or wretched?’ Allah also makes a decision regarding that. Afterward, it writes down between the person’s eyes every event that will occur to them, even including the calamity that will befall them.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban, Number 6312)