🕊️ Ḥamalatu ’l-ʿArsh: The Majestic Bearers of the Divine Throne 🕌
Comprehensive Definition
Ḥamalatu ’l-ʿArsh (حـمـلـة العرش), directly translated as “Those who bear the throne,” refers to the exalted group of angels responsible for bearing the Throne of Allah. Cited in the Qurʾān, particularly in Sūrah Ghafir (Sūrah 40:7), these angels are characterized by their incessant praise of Allah and their prayers for the believers.
Etymology
The term “Ḥamalatu” is derived from the Arabic root word “ḥ-m-l” (حمل), meaning “to carry” or “to bear.” “‘Arsh” (عرش) signifies “Throne.” Thus, Ḥamalatu ’l-ʿArsh translates to the “Bearers of the Throne.”
Background
“These exalted angels are described in various ḥadīths and exegetical literature with extensive reverence and awe. According to Al-Baghawī’s exegesis, they are eight angels of the highest stature, whose dimensions surpass human comprehension. Their feet rest on the lowest earth, while their heads reach the highest heavens. The distance from their ears to their shoulders is a journey of seven hundred years.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Across Muslim cultures, the Ḥamalatu ’l-ʿArsh hold a significant place in belief and religious thought. In various Islamic traditions, these angels are a symbol of profound cosmic order and allegiance to divine will, paralleling similar concepts of divine entourage present in Judeo-Christian ideologies of Cherubim and Seraphim.
Synonyms
- Bearers of the Throne
- Throne-Angels
Antonyms
None in a direct context; however, a theoretical antonym could be the disbelieving jinn or any spiritual entity opposing divine order.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Karūbīn: Another class of angels mentioned alongside the Ḥamalatu ’l-ʿArsh, known for their reverence and praise of Allah.
- Muqarrabūn: Angels who are “brought near” and hold high ranks in the spiritual hierarchy.
- Seraphim/Cherubim: Comparable ranks of angels in Judeo-Christian traditions responsible for worshipping and glorifying God.
Exciting Facts
- The Qur’an does not specify the number of these angels, but exegetical traditions frequently mention eight.
- Some traditions imply that their form and composition are beyond earthly materials and perceptions.
- Their prayer for forgiveness for believers emphasizes Islam’s emphasis on intercession and mercy.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“Those who bear the Throne and those around it celebrate the praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe.” - The Holy Qur’an, Surah Ghafir (40:7)
“The angels known as Ḥamalatu ʾl-ʿArsh form an epitome of the divine cosmology, a sublime symbol of faith and perseverance in Islamic theology.” - Al-Baghawī’s Commentary, vol. ii. p. 23.
Suggested Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies
- The Holy Qur’an - Translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali
- Qur’anic Exegesis - Al-Baghawī
- Angelic Devotions and Symbols in Islam - Lecture Series by Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- The World of the Angels by Sheikh ‘Umar al-Ashqar
- Dimensions of Islamic Cosmology by C.E.T. Warren
In the grand cosmos of Islamic theology, Ḥamalatu ’l-ʿArsh stands as a profound beacon of divine strength and the celestial order. By understanding their revered role, we’re reminded of the boundless might and mercy of the Almighty.
“To learn about the angels who bear the Throne is to glimpse at the grand tapestry of the heavens,” as aptly stated by Shaykh Abdul Basit.
May your quest for knowledge always be illuminated by divine wisdom. 🌟
