The term “Al-Malāʾikah” (الملائكه), derived from the Arabic verb “أَلَكَ” (alaka), means “to send,” referring to angels as divine messengers. The plural form “Al-Malāʾikah” emphasizes their collective role as envoys of God.
Etymology and Definition
- Etymology: The root “MLK” typically conjures meanings related to “messenger” or “envoy” in Arabic.
- Definition: In Islam, Al-Malāʾikah are spiritual beings created from light who execute divine commandments, act as intermediaries between God and humans, and oversee various obligations in the cosmos, the material world, and human lives.
Background and Significance
The concept of Al-Malāʾikah is deeply embedded into Islamic theology and culture. They were created from light before humanity was fashioned from clay and jinn from the smokeless flame. Their tasks are manifold: recording deeds, guiding souls, administering punishment, and transmuting divine wisdom.
Qurʾānic Context
The Chapter XXXV in the Qurʾān, aptly named “Al-Malāʾikah,” underlines the duties angels perform within the divine order:
- Verse (35:1): “Praise be to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, who made the angels messengers with wings, two, or three, or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.”
Cultural Perspectives
- Islam: In Islamic traditions, key angels include Jibril (Gabriel), who communicated the Qurʾān to Prophet Muhammad, and Israfil (Raphael), who will blow the trumpet initiating the Day of Judgment.
- Christianity and Judaism: Similarities exist in angelology across these Abrahamic faiths, with some shared figures like Gabriel, albeit with variances in function and narratives.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Beings of Light, Envoys, Messengers
- Antonyms: Shayāṭīn (Demons), Jinn
Related Terms
- Jibril (جبريل): The archangel who revealed the Qurʾān.
- Israfil (إسرافيل): The angel designated to blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.
- Mīkāʾīl (ميكائيل): The angel tasked with providing nourishment.
Exciting Facts
- Divine Repository: Angels document every action humans perform, bridging the temporary realm with the divine.
- Prophetic Encounters: Notable interactions like that between Prophet Muhammad and Jibril during the Night of Power showcase the profound roles angels play in revelation.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ibn Taymiyyah: “Angels are pure beings tasked with roles beyond human comprehension, their existence a testament to Allah’s boundless creativity and wisdom.”
Further Studies and Literature Suggested
- Books:
- “The World of the Angels” by Sheikh Abdul Khaliq Ashraf
- “Divine Governance of the Human Kingdom” by Shaykh Sidi Ahmad Zarruq
- Articles:
- “Angels and Supernatural Beings in the Qurʾān” – Islamic Quarterly
- “Comparative Angelology: Islam and Christianity” – Journal of Religious Studies
- Inspiration: Reflecting on the unperceivable can imbue daily life with deeper connections to the divine mysteries surrounding human existence.
Quizzes for Understanding
Inspirational Thought
Reflecting on the angelic purity and responsibilities can compel us towards nobler pursuits in life. If we aspire to catch even a fraction of their dedication to divine will, it brings us closer to a life of purpose and harmony.
Do prepare to dive deeper into the roles of Al-Malāʾikah with an open heart, embracing the divine wafting amongst us.
Hassan ibn Safwan October 5, 2023
