Introduction
In Islamic belief, angels possess the extraordinary ability to transform and assume different forms. Examples from Islamic texts demonstrate instances where angels appeared to individuals in human-like forms. For instance, Gabriel appeared to Mary in the form of a human, angels visited Prophet Abraham in human forms, and angels appeared to Prophet Lot in the form of handsome young men. Even Prophet Muhammad encountered Gabriel in various forms, such as that of a regular person or an Arab, to teach Muslims about their faith, excellence, and the signs of the Day of Judgment. Additionally, Allah sent an angel in the form of a human to resolve a dispute between angels regarding a man who had killed ninety-nine people.
Angels: Incredible Speed
Angels possess remarkable speed that surpasses any human measure. Their swiftness is unmatched and cannot be compared to human capabilities.
Angels: Abundant Knowledge
Angels are bestowed with abundant knowledge of Allah. However, they do not have the ability to recognize or comprehend things on their own like humans do. They only know what Allah has taught them. The Quranic verse, "He taught Adam all the names, then showed them to the angels, saying, 'Tell me the names of these, if you are right.' They said, 'Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise'" (Quran 2:31-32), highlights that angels' knowledge is limited to what Allah has revealed to them. Although angels possess more knowledge than humans, they are not capable of acquiring knowledge independently. Angels engage in discussions and conversations among themselves about various matters.
Angels: Organizational Excellence
Angels exemplify order and discipline in all aspects of their existence, including their worship. The Prophet Muhammad encouraged Muslims to emulate the angels' organization. In a hadith narrated by Jabir bin Samurah, the Prophet said, "Straighten your rows as the angels straighten their rows before their Lord." The angels' disciplined and organized nature is further emphasized by their appearance in orderly rows on the Day of Judgment, as mentioned in the Quranic verse, "Your Lord will come, and the angels rank upon rank" (Quran 89:22).
Angels: Immunity to Sin
All angels are protected from committing sins without exception. They lack the ability to disobey Allah and are bound to obedience. The Qur’anic verse states, “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded” (Quran 66:6).
Angels: Mortality
Scholars unanimously agree that angels, like humans and jinn, will experience death. They base this understanding on the verse, And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing , looking on” (Quran 39:68). Although angels inhabit the heavens, it is unclear whether there are angels who die before the blowing of the Horn signaling the Day of Judgment.