👼 Discovering Angels in Islam: God’s Divine Messengers
Definition and Meaning
Angels in Islam, known as “ملائكة” (Mala’ika) in Arabic, are revered as divine emissaries created from pure light (“نــــــؤــــــر” - Nūr). Unlike humans who are made from clay and jinn from smokeless fire, angels are free from earthly desires and sins. However, they are not considered perfect but are perceived as the pure embodiment of servitude to Allah.
Background and Roles
In the Quran, angels are described with various features: they are depicted with hands and with wings, usually in pairs of two, three, or four. Importantly, they do not eat or drink. Key roles include:
- Gabriel (Jibril): The foremost among angels, he brought divine revelations to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Michael (Mikail): Working at a rank similar to Gabriel, he is believed to ensure rain and sustenance.
- Israel (Izrail): Angel of death, tasked with taking souls at the time of death.
Historical Significance and Dates
Belief in angels has been an intrinsic component of Islamic faith since the early 7th century CE with the final revelation of Islam to Prophet Muhammad.
Cultural Context
Beliefs concerning angels often vary among different Muslim communities. For instance, while all Muslims agree on Gabriel’s role in revelation, regional traditions might include specific names and additional functions not universally recognized across the Muslim Ummah.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Divine messengers, Celestial beings
- Related Terms:
- Prophets (أنبياء - Anbiya’): Human messengers of God, akin to angels in their role as conveyors of God’s will.
- Jinn (جن): Supernatural beings created from smokeless fire, distinct from angels in their nature and moral spectrum.
- Shayatin (شياطين): Satanic beings, in direct opposition to angels, created to lead astray.
Exciting Facts
- Angels have a particular place in eschatology. They are pivotal in the Day of Judgment scene, blowing the trumpet, and recording deeds in their meticulously kept books.
- The angel Gabriel is also a celebrated figure in Christianity and Judaism but noted freshly in Islam for his role in the final prophetic message.
Quotations from Notable Writers
Fazlur Rahman: “The angelic existence in Islam is not just functional within theology, it emphasizes the essence of obedience, servitude, and submission to the divine will.”
Karen Armstrong: “Gabriel’s revered status among Muslims underscores the intimacy between Muslims and their scripture, delivered through him.”
Inspirational Literature
For further study, the following books and sources are recommended:
- “Angels in Islam: Tradition and Theology” by John Renard.
- “Islam: The Straight Path” by John L. Esposito.
- Tafsir of the Quran by Ibn Kathir.
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings.
Farewell thought: “Reflecting upon the role of angels enriches our self-awareness of divine service and obedience, reminding us of the omnipresent supervision of good and evil by God’s emissaries.”
Catch more profound insights soon!
- Ahmad Al-Rashid, 2023-10-03
