Angel - Definition, Etymology, and Roles in Islamic Tradition

Angel - Definition, Etymology, and Roles in Islamic Tradition

Etymology and Translation

• Arabic: ملاك‎ (Malak) or ملك‎ (Mal’ak)
• Turkish: Melek
• Persian: فرشتہ‎ (Firishtah)

Description

In Islamic theology, the term ‘Angel’ (Arabic: malak or mal’ak - ملاك‎, ملك‎) refers to a creation by Allah made from light. Angels act as agents executing the commands of Allah, and they are intrinsically different from other spiritual beings like the Jinn and Shaitans (devils).

Attributes of Angels

According to Islamic belief, as described by scholars like Ibn Mājah, angels are:

• Created from Light: Unlike humans made from clay and Jinn made from smokeless fire.
• Endowed with Life, Speech, and Reason: They have intellect and are able to communicate.
• Exempt from Human Frailties: They do not possess carnal desires or anger.
• Obedient to Allah: They do not disobey Allah and always execute His commandments.
• Unknown Forms: Their actual forms are hidden, though they are described diversely.

Roles and Functions

Angels in Islam fulfill various roles assigned to them by Allah, including:

1. Archangels (Karūbīyūn):

   • Jibrīl (Gabriel): The conveyor of revelations to prophets.
   • Mīkāl (Michael): Patron of the Israelites and provider of sustenance.
   • Isrāfīl: The one who will blow the trumpet to announce the Day of Judgment.
   • ʿIzrā’īl (‘Azrael): The angel of death, responsible for taking souls.

2. Recording Angels (Kirāmu ’l-kātibīn):

   • One records the good deeds, the other records the bad deeds of every believer.

3. Inquisition Angels:

   • Munkar and Nakīr: Interrogate the dead in their graves.

4. Guardians of Hell:

   • Mālik: Chief guardian of Hell.
   • Zabāniyah: Subordinate guardians.

5. Intercessors and Guardians:

   • Angels intercede for mankind and ask forgiveness for them.
   • Act as guardians over believers as described in Sūrah xiii. 12.

6. Bearer of the Throne:

   • Eight angels: Support the throne of Allah (Sūrah lxix. 17).

7. Guardians of Hell:

   • Nineteen in charge: “Over it are nineteen…” (Sūrah lxxiv. 30-31).

Qur’anic References

• Sūrah ii. 32: Angels’ prostration to Adam symbolizes their submissiveness to Allah’s command.
• Sūrah xlii. 3: Angels seeking forgiveness for the world.
• Sūrah xiii. 12, Sūrah iii. 120: Guardianship and aid through angels.
• Sūrah vi. 61: Messengers of death.
• Sūrah lxix. 17: Bearers of the Throne.
• Sūrah lxxiv. 30-31: Guardians of Hell.

Names in Exorcism Practices

Names of guardian angels mentioned in texts such as the Jawāhiru ’l-Khamsah:

• Isrāfīl, Jibrāʾīl, Kalkāʾīl, Dardāʾīl, Durbāʾīl, Raftmāʾīl, Sharkāʾīl, Tankafīl, Ismāʾīl, Sarakīkāʾīl, K͟harūrāʾīl, T̤at̤āʾīl, Rūyāʾīl, Hūlāʾīl, Hamwākīl, ʿItrāʾīl, Amwākīl, ʿAmrāʾīl, ʿAzrāʾīl, Mīkāʾīl, Mahkāʾīl, Hartāʾīl, ʿAtāʾīl, Nurāʾīl, Nukhāʾīl.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

• “Angels in Islam” by Stephen Burge: A comprehensive study on the theological and historical perspectives of angels in Islam.
• “The World of Angels: Their Nature, Powers, and Mission” by S. Abul A’la Maududi: Explains the Islamic view of angels in detail.
• “Al-Kashfu an Haqa’iq as-Sufiyah” by Ibn Taymiyyah: Discusses various Islamic spiritual concepts, including angels.

Takeaways and Conclusion

Angels in Islam (malak) represent divine agents who perform numerous roles, from conveying messages from Allah to prophets, managing natural phenomena, recording human deeds, and guarding Hell and Heaven. They are uniquely created from light and distinct from other creatures due to their nature and unwavering obedience to Allah. Understanding these roles provides insight into the multifaceted nature of Islamic cosmology.

By studying the attributes and responsibilities of angels, one gains a deeper appreciation and understanding of their importance within Islamic belief and the spiritual realm.