Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh (حـمـلـة العرش)
Definition
Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh (حـمـلـة العرش) translates literally to “Those who bear the throne.” This term refers to specific angels in Islamic theology who are depicted in the Qur’an and Hadith as carrying the Throne (ʿArsh) of Allah.
Etymology
- Arabic: Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh (حـمـلـة العرش)
- Ḥamalatu (حمالة): Derived from the root “ḥ.m.l” (حمل), meaning “to carry” or “to bear.”
- ʾl-ʿArsh (العرش): Deriving from “ʿ.r.sh” (عرش), meaning “throne.”
- Turkish: Arşın Taşıyıcıları
Qur’anic References
The concept of Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh is prominently mentioned in the Qur’an, Sūrah Ghāfir (40:7):
<p>“Those who bear the throne (i.e., the Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh) and those around it (i.e., the Karūbīn) celebrate the praise of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask pardon for those who believe.”</p>
Classical Interpretations
Al-Bagḥawī, a classical Islamic commentator, provides a vivid description of these angels:
- They are eight angels of the highest rank.
- Their physical enormity is such that their feet are positioned on the lowest strata of the earth, while their heads reach the highest heavens.
- The universe does not reach their midsections, and it would take a journey of seven hundred years to traverse the distance from their ears to their shoulders.
Reference: Al-Baghwi, Bombay edition, vol. ii. p. 23
Significance
The Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh are crucial in Islamic eschatology and angelology due to their role in carrying the Divine Throne. This task is symbolic of their immense power, status, and proximity to Allah, reflecting the profundity of the Divine realm.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
For an in-depth understanding of Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh and related theological concepts, consider the following resources:
- “Tafsir al-Baghawi” by Al-Baghawi.
- “The Angels in Islam” by Stephen Burge.
- “God and His Attributes” by Muhammad Jawad Chirri.
Takeaways
- Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh are elite angels responsible for bearing Allah’s Throne.
- Their immense stature and the specific mention in the Qur’an highlight their unique role within Islamic cosmology.
- Understanding their significance provides deeper insights into Islamic perspectives on the Divine and the celestial hierarchy.
Conclusion
The Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh serve as a profound illustration of the grandeur and complexity within Islamic angelology. Their exalted role in bearing the Divine Throne ties directly to the broader themes of faith, power, and the connection between the celestial and earthly realms in Islam.
This detailed exploration offers a thought-provoking lens through which Muslims and scholars alike can appreciate the metaphorical and literal dimensions of these angelic beings, contributing to a richer understanding of Islamic theology and cosmology.
