Angels in Islam: Exploring the Role and Significance compared to Humans and Jinn?

Understanding their creation

In the spiritual universe of Islam, angels, or 'mala'ika' in Arabic, stand as luminous symbols of divine order and purpose. The term "angel" originates from the Greek word 'angelos,' meaning 'messenger,' which aligns perfectly with their primary role in Islamic theology - as conveyors of Allah's words and will. In Islam, angels are viewed as beings of pure light, created by Allah to fulfil a variety of sacred duties. They are devoid of physical desires and are incapable of sin, embodying the ultimate form of obedience and purity. Unlike human beings and jinn who possess free will, a famous event took place in the earliest days of the creation of mankind, a strong contrast between creation of free will and non-free will.

“And when we said to the angels “prostate to Adam” and they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his lord” Then will you take him and his descendants as allies other than me while they are enemies to you? Wretched it is for the wrongdoers as an exchange” (Quran 18:50)

Angels in Islam are created from light (nur) as a testimony to their infallbiulity and excludes all forms of impurity. This differs significantly from humans, who are made from clay, and jinn, created from smokeless fire. Each angel has a distinct role or task assigned by Allah. These roles vary widely, from delivering messages to prophets to recording the deeds of humans.

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Angels were created from light, jinns were created from a smokeless flame of fire, and 'Adam was created from that which you have been told (i.e., sounding clay like the clay of pottery)." [Muslim]. Riyad as-Salihin 1846

“All praise is due to Allah, the creator of the heavens and the earth, who made the angels messengers having wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what he wills. Indeed Allah is over all things competent” (Quran 35:1)

Angels in Islam represent the harmony and balance of the universe as envisioned by Allah. Their creation, from a substance unlike that of humans or jinn, underscores the diversity and complexity of Allah's universe. These beings interact with the world in ways unseen, guiding, recording, and guarding, and their presence underscores the depth and breadth of Islamic cosmology.

“They exalt him night and day and do not slacken” (Quran 21:20)



Speed of Angels:

In Islamic theology, angels are viewed as celestial beings created by Allah from pure light, possessing qualities and abilities far beyond human comprehension. The idea that angels can travel at speeds surpassing that of the speed of light, going beyond their metaphysical and non-physical nature in Islamic belief. Unlike humans, who are bound by the physical laws of the universe, angels are considered to be free from such constraints, allowing them to operate on a different plane of existence where the usual laws of physics may not apply.

The speed of light in a vacuum, a fundamental constant in physics, is approximately 299,792 kilometres per second. This speed is considered the ultimate speed limit in the universe according to the theory of relativity, formulated by physicist Albert Einstein.

One of the most famous implications of the Special Theory of Relativity is the equation E=mc², indicating that energy (E) and mass (m) are interchangeable; they are different forms of the same thing. This theory also leads to the realization that as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases exponentially, requiring an infinite amount of energy to reach the speed of light itself.

There is a difference of opinion on who transported the throne of Bilquis, one being an angel and often referred to Jibreel himself. Having the ability to take the throne from Saba, Yemen to Jerusalem, where prophet Suleiman temple resided, “Said one with the knowledge from the scripture, “I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you” (Quran 27:40)


Roles and Responsibilities

Firstly with the Archangels:

“Whoever is an enemy to Allah and his angels and his messengers and Gabriel and Michael then indeed Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers” (Quran 2:98)

Jibreel, known as Gabriel in the Abrahamic religions, and referred to as Rooh Ul- ameen in the quran, is considered the chief of all angels in Islam. He is responsible for conveying Allah's revelations to the prophets. The most notable instance of this was when he revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad on Laylat Al Qadr, during the month of Ramadan, spanning over 23 years.

“And we angels descend not except by the order of your lord. To Him belongs that before us and behind us and what is in between. And never is your lord forgetful” (Quran 19:64)

Jibreel's interactions with Prophet Muhammad were more than just the conveyance of the Quran. He guided, supported, and even comforted the Prophet during pivotal moments in his life. One such instance is the event of Isra and Mi'raj, the night journey and ascension, where Jibreel escorted Prophet Muhammad to the heavens, showcasing the unity and complexity of the universe under Allah's dominion especially being that he is said to be the first living creature of Allah.

“and when your lord said to the angels, “indeed I will make upon the earth a successive authority” They said “will you place upon it one who causes corruption therin and sheds blood, while we declare your praise and sanctify you? Allah said “indeed, I know that which you do not know” (Quran 2:30)



Characteristics of Jibreel and Angels: 

Jibreel was mentioned three times in the Quran, Islamic texts describe Jibreel as an angel of magnificent creation. Created from light, he is depicted as having 600 wings, with pearls and rubies falling constantly under his green wings, each of which could cover the horizon. Despite this immense power and stature, Jibreel is characterized by his unwavering humility and dedication to the service of Allah, embodying the qualities of a perfect servant of God.


Mikaeel is primarily recognized in Islamic tradition for his role in overseeing the natural elements and provisions for all creatures. He is often associated with the distribution of rain, the nourishment of bodies, and the governance of nature’s order. Created from light, like all angels. He is sometimes described as having wings, though the number varies, and these wings symbolize his celestial nature and ability to traverse vast realms. Mikaeel’s role is more subtly intertwined with the everyday aspects of human life and nature. His actions, as directed by Allah, are believed to impact the environment, seasons, and the essential elements that sustain life on Earth. This role positions him as a key figure in the manifestation of Allah's will in the natural world, ensuring the balance and sustenance of life.


Israfeel’s primary role, as depicted in Islamic tradition, is profoundly significant - he is the angel entrusted with blowing the Trumpet (Al-Quran) to signal the commencement of the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). This act marks the end of the world and the beginning of the resurrection process. Islamic texts describe two blows of the Trumpet: the first causes all living beings to perish, and the second heralds the resurrection of all beings for the final judgment.

Physical descriptions of Israfeel in Islamic texts are not as detailed as those of some other angels. He is, however, described as incredibly tall, reaching from the heavens to the earth, indicating his grandeur and the magnitude of his task. Like other angels, he is created from light.

The role of Israfeel is deeply symbolic in Islamic eschatology. His act of blowing the Trumpet represents the transition from the temporal world to the eternal life hereafter, emphasizing the Islamic teachings on accountability, resurrection, and the eternal nature of the soul. His presence in Islamic theology serves as a constant reminder to Muslims of the impermanence of worldly life and the inevitability of the Day of Judgment.


The Angel of Death (Azrael) in Islam:

Azrael’s primary function in Islamic belief is to separate the souls from their bodies upon death. He is the agent through which the earthly life of a person transitions into the afterlife. This task, though sombre, is carried out with absolute justice and in accordance with divine will, reflecting the Islamic view of death as a predetermined, unavoidable, and fair passage for every living being.

Islamic literature provides varied descriptions of Azrael. While the Quran does not detail his appearance, Hadith and other Islamic texts sometimes portray him as an imposing figure, with a countenance that reflects the solemnity of his duty. He is often depicted as having numerous eyes and tongues corresponding to the number of people living on Earth, symbolizing his vigilance and readiness to carry out his duty to every soul.

Azrael's role is deeply symbolic in Islamic theology. He embodies the inevitability of death and the impartiality of divine decree. His presence in Islamic belief serves as a constant reminder of the transient nature of life, the certainty of death, and the importance of living a life in accordance with Allah's commands, mindful of the ultimate accountability in the hereafter.

Azrael’s interaction with humanity is unique. Unlike other angels who might appear in various forms to prophets or in visions, Azrael's interaction with each person comes only at their destined time of death. His arrival is neither to be feared nor desired but accepted as a part of the divine plan.


Munkar and Nakir are exclusively associated with the interrogation of souls in the grave, a belief that underscores the Islamic teachings on life after death and moral accountability.

Interrogation is a crucial part of the journey of the soul after death. The two angels ask the deceased about their faith in Allah, their prophet, and their religion. The responses to these questions are believed to determine the nature of the person's experience in the grave until the Day of Resurrection – a period of peace and tranquillity for the faithful or one of torment for those who rejected faith.

Munkar and Nakir are often depicted as stern and formidable figures. They are described as having a daunting appearance, with dark faces and blue eyes, meant to inspire awe and seriousness. These descriptions, while not detailed in the Quran, are found in various Hadiths and Islamic teachings.

The role of Munkar and Nakir is deeply symbolic in Islamic eschatology. They represent the immediate consequences of one's beliefs and actions in life. The interrogation in the grave serves as a reminder of the Islamic emphasis on faith, the acknowledgment of Allah, and the adherence to religious teachings. Their presence reinforces the idea of moral and spiritual accountability, which is a cornerstone of Islamic belief.



Angel Ridwan: The Keeper of Jannah (Paradise)

Ridwan is esteemed in Islamic belief as the angel in charge of Paradise. His role is to welcome and oversee those who have lived righteous lives and earned Allah's favor. Ridwan is often depicted as a benevolent and welcoming figure, embodying the endless mercy and rewards that await the faithful in Paradise.


Angel Malik: The Warden of Hell

In contrast, Malik is the custodian of Hell, tasked with overseeing those condemned for their sins and transgressions. Mentioned explicitly in the Quran (Quran 43:77), Malik is depicted as a stern, unwavering figure, embodying the justice of Allah. He is the one whom the dwellers of Hell will call upon, asking for respite from their torment, only to be refused, as their pleas are a consequence of their actions in the worldly life.

The stark difference between Ridwan and Malik's roles highlights the Islamic concepts of divine justice and mercy. While Ridwan represents the ultimate reward and the beauty of Allah's mercy, Malik symbolizes the severity of divine justice for those who reject faith and lead unjust lives.


Additionally, in Jahannum, the Zabaniyyah (also spelled as Zabaniyah) are a group of angels who are described as the guardians of Hell. Their primary role is to oversee the punishment of sinners within the Islamic concept of Hell, known as Jahannam. The term "Zabaniyyah" is mentioned in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Alaq (96:18), where they are referred to as the guardians or keepers of Hell.

The Zabaniyyah are considered to be fearsome and stern angels tasked with punishing the wicked in Hell. They are believed to be devoid of mercy when dealing with sinners, a trait that distinguishes them from other angels who are often depicted as embodiments of mercy and guidance.



Honorable mentions:

Guardian Angels:

In Islam, every individual is believed to be accompanied by guardian angels throughout their life. These angels, known as Hafaza, serve two main purposes: protection and recording. They guard and protect the individual from harm that is not decreed by Allah and switch positions as the day turns into night. Their role extends beyond mere physical protection; they also offer spiritual guidance, encouraging good deeds and steering the individual away from sin.



Angels of the Throne:

Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah reported the Prophet (May peace be upon him) as saying: I have been permitted to tell about one of Allah’s angels who bears the throne that the distance between the lobe of his ear and his shoulder is a journey of seven hundred years (Sunan Abi Dawud 4727)

The angels of the Throne, residing in the celestial realm, are among the most revered in Islamic cosmology. They are described as immense beings, constantly in the act of worshiping and glorifying Allah. The Throne itself is a symbol of Allah’s supreme authority and majesty, and these angels bear the sacred duty of bearing and surrounding it. Their devotion and continuous praise of Allah exemplify their unwavering commitment to serving their Creator.

“Those angels who carry the throne and those around it exalt Allah with praise of their lord and believes in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed, saying “our lord, you have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge so forgive those who have repented and followed your way and protect them from the punishment of hellfire” (Quran 40:7)



The Recording Angels:

Perhaps the most relatable to human life are the recording angels, known as Kiraman Katibin. These angels are assigned to every individual, with one writing down the good deeds and the other recording the bad deeds. They are precise and impartial in their recordings, ensuring that every action, big or small, is noted. Their presence emphasizes the Islamic belief in accountability and the idea that every person will be judged according to their deeds.

“And when affliction touches man, he calls upon us, whether lying on his side or sitting or standing; but when we remove from him his affliction, he continues in disobedience as if he had never called upon us to remove an affliction that touched him. Thus is made pleasing to the transgressors that which they have been doing” (Quran 10:12)

“They will say, “exalted are you! It was not for us to take besides You any allies. But you provided comforts for them and their fathers until they forgot the message and became a people ruined”
(Quran 25:18)

“The day they see the angels, no good tidings will be that day for the criminals, and the angels will say “prevented and inaccessible” (Quran 25:22)



Conclusion

“They fear their lord above them, and they do what they are commanded” (Quran 16:50)

In Islam, angels represent the epitome of obedience and servitude to Allah, standing in contrast to humans and jinn who navigate the complexities of free will and moral choices. Understanding the nature and roles of angels provides a deeper insight into Islamic cosmology, highlighting the diversity and balance within Allah's creation. It underscores the belief that every component of existence, from the most celestial beings to humans, has a unique purpose and role in the divine order.

“The day that the spirit and the angels will stand in rows, they will not speak except for one whom the most merciful permits, and he will say what is correct” (Quran 78:38)

Angels are devoid of physical desires and are not subject to emotions like anger or lust. Their intellect is employed solely for the service of Allah, without any personal ambitions or desires. The most significant difference is that angels do not have free will. Humans and jinn can choose between good and evil, making moral decisions. Angels, however, are bound to absolute obedience. Humans and jinn can be morally fallible, often struggling between righteousness and sin. Angels, being devoid of free will, are sinless and consistently obedient to Allah. Additionally, angels do not require food, drink, or sleep, unlike humans and jinn. They are not subject to the physical needs and desires that characterize earthly life.

Words from the angels to visitors of Jannah

“Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home” (Quran 13:24)