Islam teaches that angels, called al-malaikah in Arabic, were created by Allah to worship Him and to carry out special duties both in heavenly and earthly life. Belief in these angels is an important aspect of a Muslim's faith, just as it is in Judeo-Christian tradition. But according to Muslims, who are the angels, and what exactly do angels do?
From their primary religious sources of the Qur'an and Hadith (narrated teachings of the Prophet Muhammad), Muslims know the names and responsibilities of some angels.
Do Muslims Believe in Guardian Angels?
Muslims do believe in guardian angels, although Islam doesn't share the Christian concept of a single guardian angel. Rather, Muslims believe that there are a number of angels watching over and protecting each individual.
In the Quran, it says, “For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah." (Quran 13:10)
Kiraman Katibin - Honorable Scribes
In addition, two guardian angels are assigned to each person to record all deeds from the age of puberty on. "(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 another verse (85:11), these angels are referred to as Kiraman Katibin, or "honorable scribes."
Archangels in Islamic and Judeo-Christian Teaching
Although the nature of angels differ in Islamic and Judeo-Christian teachings, some teachings about angels are the same in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. For example, all faiths agree that angels have wings and that they have the power to assume different forms. Likewise, the following archangels found in the Qur'an or Hadith are also archangels in Judeo-Christian tradition.
- Jibreel (Gabriel) - Jibreel has the highest status of all angels. He is Allah's messenger to the prophets, sometimes taking the form of a man. Many Muslim scholars conclude that Jibreel is the Holy Spirit (Ruh al-Qudus and Ruh al-Ameen) mentioned in various verses of the Qur'an.
- Mika'el (Michael) - Mika'el is one of Allah's most distinguished angels. He is charged with providing rain and sustenance for all creatures.
- Israfil (Raphael) - Another angel with very high status in Islam, he's charged with blowing the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.
- Malak al-Maut (The Angel of Death) - Malak al-Maut is Arabic for "The Angel of Death." He and his helpers are responsible for taking souls at their predestined times. Although some texts claim the Angel of Death's actual name is Izrael (Azrael), this is not confirmed by either the Qur'an or hadith
Other Angels Named in the Qur'an and Hadith
Listed below are other angels mentioned by name or title in the Qur'an and hadith, but who are not part of Judeo-Christian teachings.
- Malik (Keeper of Hell) - The Qur'an teaches that 19 angels are assigned to guard the Hell fire. Among them, Malik has highest rank.
- Ridwan (Keeper of Paradise) - Ridwan stands guard over Heaven. By Allah's permission, he and other angels will welcome believers into Paradise.
- Munkar and Nakeer (Questioners of the Grave) - After death, these two angels question souls in the grave about their faith and their deeds.
- Harut and Marut (Angels of Babylon)- The Qur'an (2:102) relates an account of two angels named Harut and Marut who were sent to the people of Babylon to test their faith by teaching them magic. Although magic is strictly forbidden in Islam, some Babylonians chose sorcery over obedience to Allah.
More Angels in Islamic Teaching
In all, angels are mentioned more than 100 times in the Qur'an, and numerous times in hadith. Among other angels mentioned in Islamic teaching are:
- Eight angels who will carry the Throne of Allah;
- Angels who will bear the Ark;
- Angels who descend to earth and attend religious gatherings;
- Angels who blow souls into human fetuses;
- Angels who govern the wind, thunder, lightening, seas, mountains and other aspects of nature, and;
- Angels whose sole purpose is to stand, blow or prostrate to Allah in worship.
Belief in all of these angels is a fundamental part of faith in Islam, which includes belief in One God (Allah), the Angels, the Prophets, the revealed books, the Day of Judgment, and Divine decree.
Related Articles on Islam
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:
- What Do Muslims Believe About Angels? - Basic Islamic teachings about angels' creation, appearance and attributes.
- Satan in Islam Compared to Satan in Christianity - Find out why Muslims don't believe that Satan was a fallen angel.
- What Do Muslims Believe? - Overview of Islam's basic beliefs, or six articles of faith.
Sources:
- IslamQA.com
- IslamAwareness.net
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