Angels in Islam | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

The Nature of Angels

Angels in Islamic Belief

• Angels serve as divine messengers in Islam, guiding humans to understand and follow God's will.
• According to the Qur’an, humans are crafted from clay, jinn from smokeless fire, and angels from elements of light.
• Angels possess wings and can travel at the speed of light.
• They can take on human forms but remain distinct from humans.
• Angels are genderless and belong to the unseen realm.
• Lacking free will, angels are sinless, flawlessly executing Allah’s commands without error.
• Their actions are invisible to humans, yet they always fulfill Allah’s directives.
• Belief in angels is a universal tenet among Muslims.
• It constitutes one of the Six Articles of Faith in the Sunni tradition.
• Angels are referenced over a hundred times in the Qur’an, with some named explicitly.

“Glory to Allah, Creator of the heavens and earth, who appointed angels as messengers with two, three, or four pairs of wings” (Qur’an 35:1).

The Role of Angels

• The core purpose of angels is to worship, praise, and obey Allah.

The Qur’an states, “They glorify Him ceaselessly, day and night” (Qur’an 21:20).

• “We (angels) descend only by the command of our Lord” (Qur’an).
• Angels oversee humans, bringing tranquility to believers and fear to non-believers.
• They meticulously record every thought and deed for Judgment Day.

“Each individual has angels before and behind them, guarding them by Allah’s command” (Qur’an 13:11).

• On Judgment Day, an angel will sound the horn at Allah’s order, signaling the world’s end.
• The Angel of Death, Izra’il, extracts the soul at the moment of death.
• Angels question each soul after death, either comforting or punishing it until Judgment Day.
• Angels welcome those entering paradise, with two stationed at each gate to offer peace.
• In hell, angels cast sinners into pits and prevent their escape.
• The knowledge that angels record their actions can shape a Muslim’s behavior.
• Angels can trigger natural disasters when commanded by Allah.
• They serve as intermediaries between Allah and humanity, each with a specific role to ensure the smooth functioning of creation.
• Their duties include regulating the planet’s seasons, rain, and provisions; managing paradise; overseeing hell and punishing the wicked; and documenting human actions.
• Angels frequently visit and watch over humans, and the Qur’an warns that opposing angels equates to opposing Allah.
• Muslims believe Guardian Angels shield people from harm and evil.
• The concept of a Guardian Angel provides comfort to Muslims in challenging times.

Jibril and Mika’il

Roles of Specific Angels in Islam

• Certain angels are named in the Qur’an due to their distinct roles, each serving a unique purpose for Muslims.
• Izra’il is the Angel of Death.
• Israfil is the angel present at the resurrection.
• Munkar and Nakir question the soul of the deceased.
• Raqib and Atid, known as the Kiraman Katibin (noble scribes), record a Muslim’s deeds.
• Among the most significant angels for Muslims are Jibril and Mika’il.

Angel Jibril

• Jibril, also known as Gabriel, is recognized by Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
• In Islam, Jibril is the most prominent angel.
• The name ‘Jibril’ translates to ‘God is my strength.’
• Known as the ‘spirit of holiness,’ Jibril consistently delivers positive tidings.
• As an Archangel, he is a trusted messenger of Allah.
• Jibril transmitted the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad from Allah.
• Muslims believe Jibril first appeared to Muhammad during his childhood.
• In one account, Jibril, alongside Mika’il, visited Muhammad at night to purify his heart, preparing him to receive divine revelations later in life.
• At age 40, while meditating at Mount Hira, Jibril appeared to Muhammad in a radiant light, conveying Allah’s instructions and inspiring the Qur’an’s revelations.
• Allah continued guiding Muhammad through Jibril throughout his life.
• Jibril communicated with numerous prophets who received divine revelations.
• He is mentioned five times in the Qur’an and also appears in the Hadith.
• Jibril aided Ibrahim when he was cast into the fire.
• He opened the Zamzam well to provide water for Hajar’s dying son.
• When Yusef (Joseph) was thrown into a well by his brothers, Jibril protected him.
• He informed Zakariyya (Zechariah) of the birth of his son, Yahya (John), in old age.
• He announced to Maryam the birth of her son, Isa (Jesus).
• At Cave Hira, Jibril dictated the Qur’an to Muhammad directly from Allah, teaching him the Sunnah and the Five Pillars, emphasizing that faith involves belief in Allah, angels, books, and messengers.

Angel Mika’il

• Mika’il, another prominent archangel, is also recognized by Christians and Jews.
• Muslims regard Mika’il as an angel of mercy, interceding with Allah to forgive human sins.
• Much of what is known about Mika’il comes from Islamic tradition rather than the Qur’an.
• He was among the first to bow to Adam and was tasked with overseeing plants and rain.
• Allah assigned Mika’il to control rain, thunder, and lightning on earth.
• Muslims believe Jibril and Mika’il together provide nourishment for humanity.
  • Jibril delivers spiritual sustenance through the Qur’an, while Mika’il supports earthly life through rain.
• Mika’il assisted Jibril in purifying Muhammad by providing water.
• Muslims believe Allah tasked Mika’il with rewarding the righteous for their good deeds during their lives.
• Some Islamic traditions describe Mika’il residing in heaven, with dark green wings and saffron hairs.
  • Each hair contains a million faces and mouths, speaking in all languages to seek Allah’s mercy for humanity.
• Mika’il supported Muhammad during the Battle of Badr, fought for Makkah.
• On Judgment Day, both Jibril and Mika’il will assist in weighing a person’s deeds.