Angels in Islam

Angels in Islam

Angels in Islam are celestial beings created by Allah who serve specific functions, such as delivering divine revelations and recording human deeds. They are considered messengers of God, executing His commands and safeguarding the cosmic order.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: ملائكة (Malā’ika)
• Turkish: Melekler

The term Malā’ika is derived from the root (a-l-k) which implies a messenger, referring to their role as divine envoys.

Characteristics

In Islamic tradition, angels are described in the Quran with several key characteristics:

• Nature: Created from light (nūr), differentiating them from humans made of clay, and jinn made of smokeless fire.
• Wings: The Quran mentions that they possess wings in pairs of two, three, or four.
• Diet: Unlike humans, angels do not require food.
• Perfection: Although made of light, they are not deemed to be perfect; they are completely obedient to Allah but distinct from satans (shayṭīn) and jinn.

Roles and Functions

Some angels have specific functions:

• Gabriel (Jibril, جبريل): The chief messenger angel who transmitted divine revelations to the Prophet Muhammad.
• Michael (Mikail, ميكائيل): Believed to be on the same hierarchical plane as Gabriel, often associated with overseeing provisions and sustenance.
• The Angel of Death (Izrail, عزرائيل): Tasked with taking the souls at the time of death.
• Record-Keepers: Angels tasked with recording every human’s deeds (both good and bad).

Belief in Angels

Belief in angels constitutes one of the six articles of faith in Islam. The prime canonical text enforcing this belief is the Quran, and the detailed descriptions derive from Hadith literature.

Quranic References

• “All glory is to Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who made angels as messengers with wings—two or three or four. He adds to creation as He pleases, for He has power over all things.” - Surah Fatir (35:1)
• “The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.” - Surah Al-Qadr (97:4)

Further Studies

For those interested in deepening their understanding of angels in Islamic theology, the following books are recommended:

• “A Tenth of Muhsen al-Samarqandi: Discourse on the Angels” translated by Yusuf K.
• “Angels in Islam: A Tradition Played Down” by Mokhtar Hafiz.
• “God’s Angels: Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Gabriel” by Sawsan Y.

Takeaways

1. Angels are integral to Islamic belief, serving as messengers and guardians.
2. They are described as having wings, made from light, and possessing diverse roles.
3. Angels are distinct from other beings like jinn and satans.
4. Key angels include Gabriel, Michael, and the Angel of Death, among others.
5. The Quran and Hadith provide comprehensive insights into the functions and attributes of angels.

Conclusion

Understanding angels in Islam enriches one’s comprehension of the spiritual and metaphysical forces within the faith. They symbolize obedience, purity, and the divine link between the Creator and the cosmos, reinforcing the multifaceted theological spectrum that Islam embraces.