The Angels

Here’s your content converted into well-structured and semantic HTML:

“`html

 

Angels in Islam

Other Angels in Islamic Teaching Include:

  • Eight angels who carry the Throne of Allah (Qur’an 13:23-24)
  • Angels who descend to earth and attend religious gatherings
  • Angels who blow souls into human foetuses in the womb
  • Angels who govern natural elements like wind, thunder, lightning, seas, and mountains
  • Angels dedicated solely to worshiping Allah through standing, bowing, or prostrating
  • Angels who deliver Allah’s punishment
  • Angels who help the believers (Qur’an 13:11)
  • Angels who pray for the believers (Qur’an 40:7)
  • Angels who protect mankind by Allah’s will
  • Angels who record human deeds and statements throughout life (Qur’an 50:17)
  • Angels who send blessings on those who praise Allah and live righteously

In addition, two guardian angels are assigned to each person to record all deeds from puberty until death.

“(Remember) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (Qur’an 50:16-18)

In Qur’an 85:11, these angels are referred to as Kiraman Katibin, or “honourable scribes”.

Conclusion

In Islam, the existence of angels is as undeniable as that of mankind. Created by Almighty God to serve and obey Him, angels carry out divine commands. Based on a person’s deeds, angels may protect and assist or bring punishment.

Though invisible, angels form the link between the seen and unseen worlds. They have served as messengers, warriors, and protectors for the faithful.

The closer a person draws to Allah, the more benefit they receive from these celestial beings.

“When Allah loves someone, He calls Jibra’il and says, ‘Ya Jibra’il! Inni uhibbu fulan!’ (Oh Jibra’il! Verily, I love such and such a person, so love him!)”
Jibra’il then announces to all angels: “Allah loves so and so, so love him!” and so they do. Allah then places love for that person among people.

“The slave will continue to try to win the pleasure of Allah… until Allah calls Jibra’il and says, ‘Oh Jibra’il! My servant so and so is trying to please Me, verily My love has overcome him!’”

Allah knows best.

Origins and Characteristics of Angels

Angels are mysterious, loyal creations of Almighty God (Allah). The word “angel” comes from the Greek aggelos meaning “messenger”; its Arabic equivalent is malaikah.

Belief in angels is a core part of Islamic faith:

“The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles…” (Qur’an 2:285)

Angels are the most obedient and sinless of all creations, referenced in all Abrahamic scriptures.

  • Qur’an: “A noble messenger having power…” (Qur’an 81:19–21)
  • Bible: “Angels are greater than man in knowledge…” (Matthew 24:36)
  • Psalms: “The angel of the Lord encamps…” (Psalm 34:7)
  • Old Testament: “The two angels appeared to Lot…” (Genesis 19:1–22)
  • Hadith: “If a group remembers Allah, the angels will surround them…” (Sahih Muslim)

Creation and Nature

Angels are spiritual beings, created from light (noor). They lack physical bodies and human emotions. They don’t eat, sleep, or age. Angels operate like divine machinery, carrying out Allah’s commands without fail.

“Angels were created from light…” — Hadith

Angels may appear in various forms. For example, Jibra’il appeared to Prophet Muhammad in different forms. Similarly, angels visited Prophet Abraham in human form (Qur’an 15:51).

Angels may have wings:

“Praise be to Allah… Who made the angels messengers with wings – two, three or four.” (Qur’an 35:1)

They move swiftly, likely in ways beyond human comprehension.

Types of Angels

Angels are countless and created for specific duties:

  • Jibra’il (Gabriel): Brings revelation to prophets. Known as the Holy Spirit.
  • Mika’il (Michael): Controls weather and sustenance.
  • Isra’il: Angel of Death.
  • Israfil: Will blow the trumpet at the end of time.
  • Malik: Chief guardian of Hell.
  • Ridwan: Keeper of Paradise.
  • Munkar and Nakeer: Question the deceased in their graves.
  • Harut and Marut: Angels sent to Babylon (Qur’an 2:102).

“For each (person), there are angels… They guard him by the Command of Allah.” (Qur’an 13:10)