Angels in Islam

Overview

Angels are supernatural beings in Islamic belief.
They are known as mala’ika in Arabic, and are created by Allah from light.
Angels are considered sinless, infallible beings who always obey the commands of Allah and carry out His will.

Roles and Duties of Angels

Angels have diverse responsibilities including conveying revelations, recording a person’s deeds and actions, and controlling natural phenomena by Allah’s command.
Notable angels in Islam include Jibril (Gabriel), Mika’il (Michael), Israfil, and Izrail, each with their own specialised roles.

Specific Angels and Their Duties

Jibril (Gabriel): Conveys the word of Allah to prophets. He revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
Mika’il (Michael): Looks after earthly environments and events such as rain, plants, and natural disasters.
Israfil: Will blow the trumpet to herald the end of time and start of Judgement Day.
Izrail: Known as the Angel of Death, takes the souls of people when they die.

Importance of Angels

Angels are intermediaries between Allah and humans, delivering divine revelations and executing His commands.
Belief in angels is one of the Six Articles of Faith, making it a crucial part of a Muslim’s faith.
Angels are a manifestation of Allah’s power and majesty, displaying His ability to create perfect beings capable of supreme obedience.

Key Characteristics of Angels

Submissiveness: Angels are completely devoted to Allah, willingly carrying out His commands without question.
Invisibility: Angels cannot be seen by the human eye unless Allah permits it, or they choose to take a physical form.
Multiple Forms: Angels have multiple wings and can take different forms. For example, Jibril appeared in human form to the Prophet Muhammad.

When revising beliefs about Angels in Islam, it’s crucial to understand their purpose, duties, and significance in the Islamic faith. Review major angles and their roles, reflecting on the impact this belief has on Muslims in their day-to-day lives.