Al-Malāʾikah (الملائكه) in Islam
Etymology and Translation
Al-Malāʾikah (الملائكه) comes from the Arabic root م-ل-ك (m-l-k), meaning “to send” or “to possess power.” The term ملَك (Malak) literally translates to “angel” in Arabic, making الملائكه (Al-Malāʾikah) the plural form. In Turkish, angels are referred to as Melekler.
The Qur’anic Chapter: Sūrat al-Fāṭir
The title of the 35th chapter of the Qurʾān is “Al-Malāʾikah,” also known as ‘Sūrat al-Fāṭir’ (سورة فاطر), meaning the ‘Chapter of the Originator’. The name comes from the first verse of the chapter, illustrating the role of angels in Islamic cosmology:
<p>“Praise be to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers having wings, two, three or four.” (Qur’an 35:1)</p>
Roles and Significance of Angels in Islam
In Islam, angels are considered to be divine messengers created from light. They serve various roles, including:
- Messengers (رسول, Rasūl): Delivering divine revelations to prophets, such as the Angel Gabriel (جبريل, Jibril) who revealed the Qurʾān to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Record Keepers: Recording the deeds of every individual for the Day of Judgment.
- Guardians: Protecting and supporting believers.
- Executors of Divine Will: Carrying out God’s commands in realms beyond human perception.
Key Angels in Islamic Tradition
Some of the most significant angels in Islamic tradition include:
- Jibril (جبريل) - Gabriel: The angel of revelation.
- Mikail (ميكائيل) - Michael: The angel responsible for sustenance and natural elements.
- Israfil (إسرافيل): The angel who will blow the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment.
- Azrael (عزرائيل) - The Angel of Death: The angel responsible for taking the souls at the time of death.
Further Studies and Recommended Readings
For readers interested in exploring more about angels in Islam, consider the following books:
- “The Book of Angels: Revealing the Essence and Vitality of the Divine Messengers” by Doreen Virtue.
- “Angels in Islam” by Marta Dominguez Diaz.
- “Islamic Beliefs and Practices” by Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Al-Malāʾikah are integral to Islamic theology, serving as divine messengers and executors of God’s will.
- The 35th chapter of the Qur’an, named after these celestial beings, underscores their importance in Islamic cosmology and divine revelation.
- Understanding of Al-Malāʾikah enriches the comprehension of Islamic beliefs and the Qur’anic narrative regarding divine guidance and the unseen world.
In conclusion, the concept of Al-Malāʾikah (الملائكه) highlights the intricate roles that angels play within Islamic theology, providing a divine bridge between the Creator and the creation.
