Angels in Islam

Islamic angel, persian miniature

Angels in Islam play a significant role in the Islamic faith, serving as messengers and servants of Allah. They are considered to be spiritual beings created from light, a concept that distinguishes them from humans and Jinn, who were created from clay and smokeless fire, respectively. Angels in Islam are believed to possess neither free will nor the ability to disobey God, making them distinct from both humans and jinn who have free will and can choose to obey or disobey God.

Belief in Angels

Belief in angels is a fundamental aspect of Islamic theology, constituting one of the six articles of Iman (faith). The Quran and Hadith literature provide extensive details about various angels, their functions, and their importance in the cosmic order. Notable angels include:

• Jibril (Gabriel): Considered the Archangel, Jibril is responsible for conveying God's revelations to the prophets. He is most famously known for revealing the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
• Mikail (Michael): Associated with providing nourishments for bodies and souls and is often depicted as the archangel of mercy.
• Israfil: The angel who will blow the trumpet to mark the Day of Judgment.
• Azrael: The angel of death, tasked with taking the souls of the deceased.

Roles and Functions

Angels have various roles and functions in Islam, including:

• Delivering revelations from Allah to the prophets.
• Recording the deeds of every individual, with two angels assigned to each person; one records the good deeds, while the other records the bad deeds.
• Taking the souls of the deceased at the time of death.
• Interceding on behalf of humans, asking for forgiveness for the believers.
• Participating in the battlefield to support the believers as seen in the Battle of Badr.

Characteristics

Angels are described as beings of light who are constantly in the service of Allah. They do not eat, drink, or tire from their duties. Their obedience to Allah is absolute, and they are incapable of disobedience. Unlike humans and jinn, angels do not possess free will.

Notable Angels

Apart from the archangels, there are several other angels mentioned in Islamic texts, each with specific duties:

• Ridwan: The keeper of Paradise.
• Malik: The keeper of Hell.
• The Hafaza, guardian angels who protect the believers from the jinn and Satan.
• The Kiraman Katibin, the noble scribes who record the deeds of humans.

Angels in Islamic Eschatology

In Islamic eschatology, angels play crucial roles during the events leading up to and including the Day of Judgment. They are involved in the resurrection of the dead, the questioning in the grave, and the final assessment of souls.

Conclusion

Angels are a vital part of Islamic belief, embodying the concept of ultimate obedience and servitude to Allah. Their existence and roles serve to remind Muslims of the importance of following Allah's commands and striving for righteousness.