Mīkāʾīl - The Archangel Michael in Islamic Tradition
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: ميكائيل (Mīkāʾīl), ميكال (Mīkāl)
- Hebrew: מִיכָאֵל (Michael)
- Turkish: Mikail
Introduction
Mīkāʾīl, known as the Archangel Michael in Islamic tradition, plays a significant role akin to his counterpart in Judeo-Christian beliefs. Despite being primarily acknowledged as Mīkāʾīl (ميكائيل), his name appears in the Qur’an as Mīkāl (ميكال).
Qur’anic Mention
Mīkāʾīl is explicitly named in the Qur’an just once, in Surah al-Baqarah (2:98):
<p>“Whoso is an enemy of Gabriel—For he it is who by God’s leave hath caused the Qur’an to descend on thy heart, the confirmation of previous revelations, and guidance, and good tidings to the faithful—Whoso is an enemy to God or His angels, or to Gabriel, or to Michael, shall have God as his enemy: for verily God is an enemy to the infidels.”</p>
Historical Context
In Islamic tradition, there is a narrative involving a Jewish figure named ʿAbdu ʾllāh ibn Ṣūrīyāʾ, who contested Prophet Muhammad’s assertion that Gabriel (Jibril) revealed the Qur’an to him. This individual preferred Michael (Mīkāʾīl) as the revelatory figure due to Micheal’s known protective and benevolent roles in their traditions. This distinction led to the verses cited above, emphasizing the integral roles of both Gabriel and Michael in God’s divine plan.
Role in Islamic Theology
Mīkāʾīl is depicted in Islamic theology as a benevolent angel who is responsible for providing nourishment to human bodies and souls. He oversees natural forces, such as rain and growth, emphasizing his role as a nurturer and sustainer in contrast to Gabriel, who is primarily seen as a messenger.
Comparative Insight
Interestingly, the differentiation in roles between Gabriel and Michael in Islam mirrors their functions in Judeo-Christian traditions—a testament to their integral humanistic divine roles across Abrahamic faiths.
Further Readings
To delve deeper, consider the following books:
- “God and His Angels: Angelology in Islam” by Stephen Burge
- “Islamic Angels: Messengers of Faith and Divine Will” by Angelika Neuwirth
- “Michael and Jasbir: The Divine Messengers in Abrahamic Traditions” by Saeed Ibrahim
Takeaways and Conclusion
Mīkāʾīl (Michael) holds a revered status in Islam. His mention alongside Gabriel underscores the interconnectedness of Islamic angelology with Judaic and Christian traditions. Reflecting on Michael’s role helps broaden understanding of Islamic spirituality and its historical dialogues with other cultures.
By recognizing the vital role of angels like Mīkāʾīl in Islamic theology, one gains insight into the rich tapestry of Islamic belief and practice, integral to appreciating the depth of Muslim spiritual life and their shared heritage with other faiths.
