ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل)
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The name ‘ʿIzrāʾīl’ is derived from Arabic عزرائيل (ʿAzrael), a name borrowed from Hebrew עֲזַרְאֵל (ʿAzarʾēl), meaning “God helps”.
- Arabic: عزرائيل
- Turkish: Azrail
Definition and Role
ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل), also referred to as the Angel of Death or Malaku ʾl-Maut (ملك الموت), is a significant figure in Islamic theology. Tasked with the responsibility of retrieving souls at the time of death, ʿIzrāʾīl plays a crucial role in the transition from life to the afterlife.
Qur’anic Reference
The role of ʿIzrāʾīl is highlighted in the Qur’an, explicitly in Sūrah 32:11:
<p>“The Angel of Death shall take you away, he who is given charge of you. Then unto your Lord shall ye return.”</p>
Prophetic Traditions
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has elaborated on the process in several Hadiths:
- For a Believer: The Angel of Death addresses the soul with kindness, saying, “O pure soul, come forth to God’s pardon and pleasure!” The soul then departs the body smoothly, akin to water flowing out of a vessel.
- For an Infidel: The procedure is starkly different, as the Angel exclaims, “O impure soul, come forth to the wrath of God!” Consequently, the soul is extracted violently, akin to pulling a hot skewer through wet wool.
These narratives are documented in various Hadith compilations, including the Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ.
Islamic Theology and Belief
ʿIzrāʾīl’s role underscores the Islamic beliefs in the afterlife, divine judgment, and the spiritual nature of death. It reflects the dichotomy between the fate of the righteous and the unrighteous, emphasizing accountability and moral rectitude. The presence of ʿIzrāʾīl at the time of death serves as a reminder of the transient nature of the world and the inevitability of returning to God.
Further Reading
For an in-depth understanding of ʿIzrāʾīl and the concepts of death and the afterlife in Islam, consider these scholarly works:
- Abdel Haleem, M. A. S. “The Qur’an: A New Translation”
- Al-Ghazali, Abu Hamid. “The Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife: Book XL of The Revival of the Religious Sciences”
- Smith, Wilfred Cantwell. “Religions of Man”
- Sachedina, Abdulaziz Abdulhussein. “Islamic Messianism: The Idea of Mahdi in Twelver Shi’ism”
- Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. “The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity”
Takeaways
- ʿIzrāʾīl’s Role: Acts as the divinely appointed Angel of Death, responsible for separating the soul from the body.
- Scriptural Basis: Explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an and further described through Hadith traditions.
- Theological Significance: Highlights the concepts of divine judgment and the afterlife in Islam, reinforcing the transient nature of worldly life.
Conclusion
ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل) serves as a compelling reminder of the inevitable transition from this life to the next, encapsulating the spiritual dynamics of death in Islamic belief. His role accentuates the themes of divine oversight and accountability, urging Muslims to lead lives of righteousness and piety.
