Isrāfīl (اسرافيل)
Definition and Role in Islamic Eschatology
Isrāfīl (اسرافيل) is an archangel in Islamic belief who is designated to blow the trumpet (al-Ṣūr) to signal the Day of Resurrection (Yawm al-Qiyāmah). This action heralds the end of the world and the commencement of judgment by Allah.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: اسرافيل
- Turkish: İsrafil
The name Isrāfīl is derived from Hebrew or Syriac origins, shared with Judeo-Christian angelology. Although prominently referred to in Islamic traditions, his name does not appear explicitly in the Qur’an or Hadith (Singular: Ḥadīth).
Islamic Tradition and Beliefs
While the Qur’anic text and authentic Prophetic traditions (Hadith) do not mention Isrāfīl by name, his role and attributes are detailed in secondary Islamic literature and the works of various scholars and exegetes. It is believed that Isrāfīl has been chosen by Allah for his unique task due to his distinct and significant qualities as an archangel, which are highly respected in Islamic thought.
Functions and Symbolism
Isrāfīl holds a prominent position in eschatological narratives:
- First Trumpet (Al-Ṣūr): The first blow ushers in the end of the world, causing all living creatures to perish.
- Second Trumpet: The second blow signifies the resurrection of the dead for judgment before Allah.
Isrāfīl’s depiction often emphasizes his readiness and unique mission, symbolizing divine order and ultimate accountability in the hereafter.
Unnamed in Canonical Texts
The absence of Isrāfīl’s name in the Qur’an and canonical Hadith underscores a theme within Islamic eschatology: certain eschatological elements are preserved through collective traditional memory and the writings of theologians and historians rather than through explicit scriptural references.
Books for Further Studies
To delve deeper into the concept of Isrāfīl and Islamic eschatology, consider the following references:
- “The Life After Death: Resurrection and Judgement in Islam” by Tabataba’i, Sayyid Muhammad Husayn.
- “Muslim Eschatology” by David Waines.
- “Islamic Eschatology: Quranic and Prophetic Traditions” by Jane Dammen McAuliffe.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Isrāfīl, though not mentioned by name in primary Islamic texts, occupies a vital role in Islamic understanding of the end times. His task of blowing the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection is a focal point in eschatological beliefs, providing a clear example of how Islamic tradition extends beyond the primary texts to encompass a broader interpretive and communal aspect of faith.
In conclusion, the archangel Isrāfīl embodies the themes of divine decree, accountability, and the eternal journey of the soul in Islamic thought, reminding believers of the transient nature of earthly life and the important preparation for the hereafter.
