In Islam, belief in angels is a fundamental part of faith. The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize their existence, and Muslims are required to believe in them as part of the Six Articles of Faith. Angels are among Allah’s creations, tasked with carrying out His commands and maintaining order in the universe. They are neither human nor jinn but a unique creation that symbolizes purity, obedience, and loyalty to Allah.
What Are Angels in Islam?
Angels (Mala’ikah in Arabic) are created from light, as mentioned in authentic Hadith. Unlike humans, they do not eat, drink, sleep, or experience desires. They are free from sin and incapable of disobedience, as Allah describes them in the Qur’an:
“They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” (Qur’an 66:6)
Their purpose is to serve Allah alone, acting as intermediaries in executing His will. Though unseen, they are present everywhere, recording deeds, protecting believers, and glorifying Allah continuously.
Characteristics of Angels
- Obedience: Angels never rebel against Allah. Their entire existence is devoted to worship and service.
- Invisibility: While usually hidden from human eyes, they can appear in different forms when Allah wills, as Angel Jibreel appeared before the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the form of a man.
- Immense Number: Only Allah knows the exact number of angels, but Hadith describe the heavens filled with countless angels in constant worship.
- Powerful and Swift: Angels are able to move with great speed and carry out Allah’s commands with precision.
Roles of Angels in Islam
Islam teaches that angels are assigned specific duties that affect the spiritual and physical aspects of life. Some of the most important roles include:
1. Delivering Revelation
The greatest role of Angel Jibreel (Gabriel, peace be upon him) was bringing Allah’s revelations to the Prophets. He delivered the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years, guiding the final message for humanity.
2. Recording Deeds
Every human is accompanied by two angels known as Kiraman Katibeen (the noble scribes). One records good deeds while the other records bad deeds. On the Day of Judgment, these records will be presented as evidence of one’s life.
3. Protecting Humans
Angels also serve as protectors. Some guard individuals from harm by Allah’s permission, while others are appointed to guard entire communities. They surround gatherings of knowledge and prayer, spreading mercy and tranquility.
4. Taking Souls at Death
Angel Azrael, known as the Angel of Death, is responsible for taking the souls of humans when their time on earth is complete. This process is carried out gently for the righteous and with severity for those who rejected faith.
5. Blowing the Trumpet
Angel Israfeel has been assigned the role of blowing the trumpet to signal the end of the world and the Day of Resurrection. The first blow will cause all creation to perish, and the second will bring them back to life for judgment.
6. Controlling Natural Elements
Angel Mikaeel is in charge of rain, vegetation, and sustenance on earth. Through his role, Allah provides the means of life for His creatures.
7. Guardians of Hell and Paradise
Some angels guard Hell, such as Malik, while others are assigned to welcome the believers into Paradise with peace and blessings.
Angels in the Life of a Muslim
Angels play a daily role in the life of every believer. They attend prayers, especially Fajr and Asr, and pray for mercy upon those who remain in the mosque after worship. They also pray for forgiveness for those who seek knowledge, give charity, or do good deeds sincerely.
Conclusion
In Islam, angels represent Allah’s unseen forces, working tirelessly to fulfill His commands. They serve as a reminder of Allah’s presence, justice, and mercy. Believing in angels strengthens a Muslim’s faith, reminding them that their actions are always recorded and that unseen helpers are with them. Their obedience inspires believers to strive for purity, humility, and closeness to Allah. Understanding the concept of angels and their roles deepens one’s awareness of the spiritual world and reinforces the importance of living a righteous life.