Angels
In Islam, angels are believed to be created by God, made of obedient and honorable beings of light. They are neither male nor female. They do not eat, drink, marry, get tired, or grow old. They cannot be seen by the human eye, and only God knows their number. Belief in angels is a fundamental pillar of the Islamic faith, and denying their existence is considered disbelief.
Angels have specific tasks that God has assigned to them, including delivering revelations, blowing on images for the Day of Resurrection, and taking human souls. The Archangel Gabriel (Gabriel) has special importance as the person who communicated God's messages to the prophets.
Features and characteristics:
Angels are created beings with wings and the ability to take different forms.
- They are described as beings of great power and honor, always obedient to God's commands.
- The Qur’an emphasizes their purity, sincerity, and non-disobedience to God.
Roles and responsibilities:
Angels have different tasks, including conveying revelations, recording human actions, and carrying out specific tasks assigned to them by God.
- They have a role in battles, such as the Battle of Badr, and they fight alongside the believers.
- Angels participate in praising and worshiping God continuously.
Importance of faith:
Belief in angels is one of the six pillars of Islamic faith, as stated in the hadith of Ibn Omar.
Denying the existence of angels leads to rejecting a large part of Islamic teachings, and a deviation from the faith has been mentioned in the Qur’an.
Interaction with angels:
- Muslims are asked not to harm or insult angels.
Avoiding sins and transgressions is necessary, as sins may harm angels.
- Specific actions, such as spitting to the right during prayer, are recommended out of respect for the angels.
Number of angels:
The number of angels is known only to God, but it is believed that they are many. Seventy thousand enter the house every day.
Comparison with humans:
- There is controversy among scholars about the superiority of righteous humans or angels, with scholars’ differing opinions.
Description of angels
Angels are described in the Qur’an as virtuous and righteous beings, as it says: “By the hands of the writers, honorable and righteous.” This indicates that the angels, the bearers of God’s messages to His messengers, are honorable and virtuous, their creation is beautiful and honorable, and their actions are good and righteous.
One of the angelic characteristics is humility, as in the Prophet’s description of Othman bin Affan: “Should I not be ashamed of a man of whom angels are ashamed?”
Angelic qualities
The cover of the book “Al-Habayek fi Akhbar al-Angel” by Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti deals with information about angels and their attributes from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Islamic hadiths.
Muslims believe that angels were created from light, as the Prophet said: “Angels were created from light.” However, the specific nature of this light remains undetermined. The time of their creation is not explicitly stated, but it predates the time of humans. God told His angels about the creation of a successor on earth, namely Adam, which indicates that angels existed before the first man.
Humans cannot see angels in their true form, except for the Prophet Muhammad, who saw the angel Gabriel twice: in the first revelation in the Cave of Hira and during the Night Journey. However, a person may see angels in a human-like form, as some texts indicate.
Muslims believe that angels are wonderful beings beyond human imagination. Although the exact scale of their creation has not been revealed, some hints in the texts indicate differences between them. The Prophet mentioned a specific angel who had 600 wings, emphasizing the greatness of angelic creation.
Angels are believed to have a beautiful and noble appearance, as evidenced by God's description of Gabriel: "He [the Prophet Muhammad] taught him great strength. Strong health. He rose to his true form." Scientists interpret “one of safety” as a reference to the beautiful and tall shape, which highlights strength and attractiveness. The perception of the beauty of angels is also reflected in the Qur’an when women compared Prophet Joseph to an angel, further emphasizing the divine connection between beauty and angelic appearance.
There was no text indicating the similarity in appearance between angels and humans, except for the Prophet’s saying about seeing Gabriel: “I saw Gabriel in the form of Dihya bin Khalifa.” This resemblance may indicate either a resemblance to true form or a human-like appearance assumed by Gabriel during certain interactions.
Angels have three basic characteristics that distinguish them from humans: they are neither male nor female, they do not eat or drink, and they do not marry. Because they are devoid of desires, they neither desire nor need sustenance or marital relations. The Qur’an refutes the pagan belief that angels are daughters of God, emphasizing their honorable and non-sexual nature.
The angels’ abstention from eating and drinking is embodied in the story of the Prophet Abraham hosting angelic guests. When the food was served, it did not reach them, indicating that they did not need earthly food. The angels are tireless in worshiping and obeying God, as the verses confirm their constant praise.
Muslims believe that angels reside in heaven, and descend to earth when assigned specific tasks. Notable examples include their participation in the Battle of Badr and their landing on the Night of Destiny. The Holy Qur’an emphasized the honor of this night by saying: “The angels and the spirit descend therein with the permission of their Lord for every matter.” This highlights the nature of heavenly angels and their pivotal role in carrying out divine commands.
Angelic powers in the Islamic faith:
The concept of angels holds profound significance, as believers attribute various wonderful abilities to these heavenly beings. Let us delve into the aspects of angelic qualities, exploring their ability to transform, astonishing speed, vast knowledge, organizational skills, and inherent immunity to disobedience.
Angel's transformational abilities:
Muslims believe that angels possess the unique ability to take on different forms and deviate from their heavenly essence. Examples from Islamic history, such as the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to Mary in human form, or the visit of angels to the Prophet Abraham in human likeness, underscore this transformative power. Even the Prophet Muhammad encountered Gabriel in various forms, conveying basic teachings in a way that was relatable to the diverse audiences of his time.
Super speed:
Islamic teachings emphasize the extraordinary speed of angels, exceeding human understanding of speed. It is believed that when the Prophet is asked a question, the Archangel Gabriel quickly descends from heaven to provide immediate answers. This rapid response shows the unparalleled speed of these celestial beings.
Deep knowledge:
Muslims believe that angels possess vast knowledge, which is wisdom given to them by God. However, unlike humans, angels lack the ability to independently discern information, and rely solely on divine revelation. Qur’anic verses have highlighted this distinction, stressing that the awareness of angels is limited to what God has permitted them to know. They engage in intellectual discussions, as evidenced by the Prophet Muhammad's meeting with Gabriel during his night journey.
Fine organization:
The organizational prowess of angels has been praised in Islamic teachings, serving as a model for believers. The Prophet urged Muslims to imitate the angels’ precision in arranging rows during prayer. Descriptions of angels appearing in neat rows on the Day of Resurrection also emphasize their disciplined and organized nature.
Inherent immunity:
Central to the Islamic faith is the concept of angels' immunity from disobedience. Unlike humans, angels lack the ability to defy God’s commands, which is evident in the Qur’anic verse: “So they disobey God in what He has commanded them, but they do what they are commanded.” This inherent obedience characterizes angels as beings bound only by divine will.
Number of angels:
The Islamic faith recognizes the existence of a large number of angels, and only God knows them. The sheer abundance of angels is evident in rituals such as the daily pilgrimage of seventy thousand angels to the haunted house (the Kaaba) without ever returning. References to countless angels assigned to each individual, who meticulously record their actions, confirm their overwhelming presence.
Angels' missions:
1. The layout of the name of the angel Michael is attached to verse 98 of Surat Al-Baqarah:
The text begins by mentioning the name of the angel Michael and its connection to verse 98 of Surat Al-Baqarah.
2. Sections of angelic tasks:
The missions of angels are divided into four sections: their general missions towards humanity, their special missions with the believers and the righteous, their special missions with the infidels, the sinful, and the corrupt, and their missions with all non-human creatures.
3. General tasks towards humanity:
Angels play a role in human formation, and they also participate in guarding individuals. They are also appointed as ambassadors and messengers of God to His prophets and messengers, and Gabriel has a special role in this regard. Angels are charged with influencing human inclinations toward good or evil, as every human being has companions of angels and jinn who guide him.
4. Recording good and bad deeds:
Angels are responsible for recording the good and sinful deeds of individuals. Each person is accompanied by two angels who constantly record his actions and words.
5. Catching souls at specific times:
Angels have the mission of taking the souls of individuals when their allotted time is up. Evidence of this is the Almighty’s saying: “Say, ‘The Angel of Death, who has been appointed over you, will take your soul’.” Then to your Lord you will be returned.”
6. Love and support of believers:
Angels express their love for believers whom God favors. They help and support believers in various ways, including guiding them during their prayers, protecting them, and participating in their battles.
7. Missions towards infidels and sinners:
Angels have specific tasks towards infidels and sinners, including inflicting punishments and curses on them.
8. Eight angels carry the throne:
Eight angels were mentioned as bearers of the divine throne, which confirms the extent of their responsibility.
9. Angels assigned to the natural elements:
Angels are assigned to elements such as mountains, clouds, rain, and plants, each of which has an angel in charge of it.
10. Thunder Angel:
He mentions the angel responsible for thunder, and the role of fire in carrying the clouds.
Worship of angels
Angels are created beings, free from sin, and compelled to worship and obey God. They are incapable of disobedience due to the lack of desires that might lead them astray, and they are committed to carrying out the tasks that God has assigned them.
Angels have different types of worship, and one of their main duties is to praise and remembrance of God. They praise God constantly, as stated in the Qur’an, like the angels who bear the throne and those around it. They ask forgiveness for the believers and pray for their well-being. Angels also stand in rows in worship, kneeling and prostrating to God. They have a special formation in their worship, and they take pride in their complete and steadfast submission to God.
The worship of angels includes Hajj, and they have a designated Kaaba in the sky called “Al-Bayt Al-Ma’mur” around which they circumambulate and worship. This Kaaba is identical to the Kaaba on earth, but it is located in the seventh heaven. Seventy thousand angels enter Al-Bayt Al-Ma'mur every day and never return, confirming the huge number of angels assigned to worship.
Death of angels
There is disagreement among scholars. The majority believed that angels do not die, relying on general Qur’anic verses that indicate the annihilation of everything except the face of God. However, some scholars, including Ibn Hazm, believe that angels can die, citing specific evidence. This difference of opinion stems from different interpretations of Qur’anic verses and hadiths.
This is certainly a summary of the aforementioned angels and their roles:
1. Gabriel (Gabriel): Gabriel is mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an several times. He is known as the angel responsible for delivering revelations to the prophets. He played a crucial role in transmitting the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, and also guided the Prophet in matters such as prayer and war.
2. Michael (Mikael): His name is mentioned in the Qur’an, and Michael is believed to be the angel responsible for rain and plants. It is responsible for the sustenance and nutrition of living organisms.
3. Israfil: Israfil is the angel associated with blowing pictures to announce the Day of Resurrection. It has been mentioned in hadiths that he is the one who blows the trumpet to signal the end of the world.
4.Malik: Malik, the guardian of the fire. His name was mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an in the context of the people of Hell calling him. He is responsible for ensuring the punishment of those condemned to hell.
5. Ridwan: Ridwan is the keeper of Paradise, and although he is not mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an, his name is found in some hadiths. It is associated with supervising the affairs of the people of Paradise.
6. Munkar and Nakir: These two angels are charged with asking individuals in their graves about their faith and beliefs. Their names were mentioned explicitly in some hadiths.
7. Harut and Marut: It is mentioned in the Qur’an that Harut and Marut were sent as a trial to the people of Babylon. They taught magic but warned against using it for harm. Their story is a lesson about the consequences of misusing knowledge.
8. The Angel of Death: Although the name of the Angel of Death is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an or the Hadiths, he is understood to be the king charged with extracting human souls when their appointed time has come.
9. Throne Bearers: These angels carry the throne of God. They number eight, and their role is mentioned in the Qur’an.
10. Thunder: This king is related to controlling thunder. Although thunder is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an, mention of thunder is linked to this king in some hadiths.
11. Angel of the Mountains: This angel is mentioned in the hadiths, and he is the one in charge of the mountains. There is a narration where the Prophet Muhammad mentions that this king asked God for permission to destroy a disobedient people.
12. Al-Zabaniyya: These angels are the guardians of the Fire. They were mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, which indicates their role in the torment of the people of Hell.
These angels play different roles in the Islamic faith, and carry out the tasks assigned to them by God.