Angels in Islam

This section explains Angels in Islam. In Islam, angels or malaikah are believed to have been created by Allah before humans. Their primary purpose is to follow His orders and communicate His messages to humanity. Angels are revered as beings who serve Allah faithfully and carry out His commands without question.

Characteristics of Angels

Muslims believe that angels possess certain qualities:

• Immortal: Angels are eternal and do not die. They are timeless beings who exist in the presence of Allah.
• Made of Light: Unlike humans, who are created from clay, angels are made from light, giving them a unique and pure nature.
• Pure and Sinless: Angels cannot sin, as they are completely obedient to Allah. They do not have free will in the same way that humans do, and they always act in accordance with Allah’s will.
• Winged: Angels are described as having wings, though the number of wings may vary depending on the specific angel. This attribute highlights their ethereal and divine nature.
• Constantly Obedient: Angels do not tire or cease in their worship of Allah. They serve Him continuously without hesitation or reluctance.

“They exalt Him night and day and do not slacken.”
— Qur’an 21:20

This verse highlights the continuous praise and adoration that angels offer to Allah, emphasising their unwavering devotion.

The Role of Angels

Angels have several important roles in Islam, and their responsibilities are diverse and essential to the functioning of the universe:

• Messengers to the Prophets
  Angels serve as intermediaries between Allah and His prophets. They convey Allah’s messages and instructions to the prophets, guiding them in their mission to deliver His word to humanity.
• Guardians of People
  Certain angels are believed to protect and watch over individuals. These guardian angels help keep people safe and guide them through life’s challenges.
• Recording Deeds
  Angels are tasked with recording every action a person takes throughout their life. These records are used on the Day of Judgement, when every individual will be judged by Allah based on their deeds.
• Taking Souls
  The Angel of Death, Izrail, is responsible for taking the souls of people when they die and returning them to Allah. This marks the transition from life to the afterlife.
• Welcoming into Paradise and Supervising Hell
  Angels are believed to welcome those who have led righteous lives into Paradise, and they also supervise the torments of Hell. Their role is to carry out Allah’s justice with compassion and care.

Angel Jibril (Gabriel)

Jibril (known as Gabriel in Christianity) is one of the most significant angels in Islam. He is often described as the Angel of Revelation because he is the one who conveyed Allah’s messages to the prophets.

Jibril played a key role in revealing the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad during the Night of Power, a momentous event that marked the beginning of the final revelation. His role in delivering the Qur'an to humanity makes him one of the most revered angels in Islam.

Jibril also appeared to Maryam (Mary) to announce that she would conceive Isa (Jesus), a pivotal moment in both Islamic and Christian narratives.

Jibril is described as knowing the beauty of Paradise and understanding the hardships of reaching it. He has witnessed the punishments of Hell and, as a result, deeply understands the importance of striving to live a righteous life in accordance with Allah's guidance.

Angel Mika’il (Michael)

Mika’il (known as Michael in Christianity) is another important angel in Islam. He is seen as a friend and helper to humanity. His key role is as the giver of rain and provider of sustenance. He is believed to bring nourishment to all creatures, ensuring that Allah's creation is sustained.

Mika’il is also known as the Angel of Mercy. He seeks Allah's forgiveness for the sins of people, praying on their behalf and asking for divine mercy for those who repent.

Both Jibril and Mika’il are believed to play significant roles during the Day of Judgement, standing alongside other angels in the final reckoning of human deeds.

Other Angels in Islam

In addition to Jibril and Mika’il, several other angels play crucial roles in the Islamic understanding of the afterlife and divine justice:

• Izrail (Angel of Death)
  Izrail is responsible for taking the souls of individuals when they pass away. His role is vital in the transition from the earthly life to the afterlife, and he serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of life and the inevitability of death.
• Israfil (Angel of the Trumpet)
  Israfil is believed to blow the trumpet to signal the coming of the Day of Judgement. When he blows the trumpet, the dead will be resurrected, and all of creation will be judged by Allah. Israfil’s role is to announce the end of the world and the beginning of the final judgement.

Conclusion

Angels are essential to the Islamic worldview. They act as servants of Allah, performing tasks that support the divine order of the universe. From delivering messages to protecting and guiding humanity, the role of angels in Islam is multifaceted and deeply significant. They embody purity, obedience, and divine wisdom, reminding Muslims of Allah’s presence and the need to follow His guidance. The belief in angels strengthens the faith of Muslims, emphasising the importance of living a righteous life in preparation for the afterlife.