🌟 Unveiling the Mystique of ISMĀʾĪL - The Commanding Angel of Light 🕊️

Dive deep into the enigmatic figure of Ismāʾīl, the celestial being named in Islamic tradition who accompanied Angel Gabriel during his last visit to the Prophet Muhammad. Explore his role, significance, etymology, and presence in cultural narratives.

🌟 Unveiling the Mystique of ISMĀʾĪL - The Commanding Angel of Light 🕊️

Comprehensive Definition

Ismāʾīl (اسمائيل): In Islamic tradition, Ismāʾīl is a noble and distinguished angel who is known for accompanying the archangel Gabriel during his last visit to Prophet Muhammad on his deathbed. He wields command over one hundred thousand angels, highlighting his immense significance and power in the celestial hierarchy.

Etymology

The name “Ismāʾīl” is derived from the Hebrew “יִשְׁמָעֵאל” (Yishma’el), meaning “God hears” or “God has heard.” This name is shared with another prominent figure in Islamic tradition, Prophet Ishmael, the son of Abraham, but in this context, it refers to a significant angel in the Islamic spiritual domain.

Background and Significance

Ismāʾīl holds a notable position within the Islamic esoteric tradition. According to the “Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ,” a revered collection of hadiths, Ismāʾīl was present alongside Gabriel during a critical period of the Prophet Muhammad’s life. This highlights his elevated rank and pivotal role in divine missions relating to the Prophet.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

The figure of Ismāʾīl as an angel shares similarities with angels across various Abrahamic religions:

  • In Judaism and Christianity, archangels like Michael and Gabriel play crucial roles in conveying God’s messages to humanity.
  • In Islamic theology, the delineation of angelic hierarchy is more expanded, and Ismāʾīl’s role stands unique due to his association with the Prophet’s final moments.
  • Mīkā’īl (ميكائيل): Another high-ranking Islamic archangel.
  • Jibrīl (جبريل): Gabriel, the archangel who often communicates God’s revelations.
  • Rūḥ al-Amin (روح الأمين): “The Trusted Spirit,” another epithet for Gabriel emphasizing his reliability.
  • Mala’ika (ملائكة): General term for angels in Islam.
  • Hadith: Reports of the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad.

Exciting Facts

  • Commands a Vast Celestial Army: Ismāʾīl is said to command 100,000 angels, placing him among the most formidable of celestial beings in Islamic tradition.
  • Presence in Prophet Muhammad’s Final Moments: His unique and supportive role during Gabriel’s last visit to the Prophet underlines his importance and close proximity to pivotal events in Islamic history.

Notable Quotations

And Ismāʾīl, who was with Gabriel, bore witness to the Prophet’s ultimate message and divine journey. Thus, his leadership of the angelic hosts is divinely sanctioned.” — Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ (Book XXIV, Chapter X, Part 3)

Literature and Further Studies

For a deeper exploration of Ismāʾīl and related angelic hierarchies in Islamic mysticism, scholars might consider the following works:

  • “The Mystical Dimensions of Islam” by Annemarie Schimmel: A profound exploration into Sufi practices and beliefs that include the understanding of angels.
  • “Angels in Islam: Jalalties and Positrons” by Arshadul-Qassim: A thorough examination of the various ranks and responsibilities of angels in Islamic theology.
  • “Tafseer of Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ:” Collections of commentaries on this significant hadith compilation that highlights Ismāʾīl’s role.

Quizzes to Enlighten

### Who accompanied Gabriel on his last visit to Prophet Muhammad? - [ ] Michael (Mīkā'īl) - [x] Ismāʾīl - [ ] Israfil - [ ] Azrael > **Explanation:** Ismāʾīl, the distinguished angel, accompanied Gabriel during his final visit to Prophet Muhammad, showcasing his significant celestial status. ### How many angels is Ismāʾīl said to command? - [x] One hundred thousand - [ ] Ten thousand - [ ] One thousand - [ ] Five thousand > **Explanation:** Ismāʾīl is reputed to command 100,000 angels, highlighting his high rank within the celestial hierarchy. ### What is the primary function of the angel Ismāʾīl? - [ ] Recording human deeds - [ ] Blowing the trumpet on Judgment Day - [x] Commanding a vast host of angels - [ ] Delivering revelations > **Explanation:** While other angels have distinct roles such as recording deeds or delivering revelations, Ismāʾīl is specifically noted for commanding a large multitude of angels. ### True or False: Ismāʾīl’s name and role are discussed in the Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ. - [x] True - [ ] False > **Explanation:** True, Ismāʾīl’s role and his authoritative command over angels are mentioned in the Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ. ### Which characteristic is mainly associated with Ismāʾīl in Islamic tradition? - [ ] Avenging sins - [ ] Punishing the disobedient - [x] Command over a vast number of angels - [ ] Protection of prophets > **Explanation:** Ismāʾīl is primarily known for commanding a vast number of angels, a position of considerable responsibility and prominence. ### What does the name “Ismāʾīl” mean in its original Hebrew etymology? - [x] God hears - [ ] God's servant - [ ] Angel of mercy - [ ] Messenger of peace > **Explanation:** The name “Ismāʾīl” originates from Hebrew and means “God hears,” reflecting divine attentiveness. ### In which Islamic text is Ismāʾīl said to have been present with Gabriel? - [ ] Sahih Bukhari - [ ] Sunan Abu Dawood - [x] Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ - [ ] Tafsir al-Jalalayn > **Explanation:** Ismāʾīl’s presence with Gabriel is noted in the Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ. ### Which angelic being is most known for delivering God’s revelations to Prophet Muhammad? - [ ] Michael - [ ] Israfil - [x] Gabriel - [ ] Ismāʾīl > **Explanation:** Gabriel is the angel most known for his role in delivering God's revelations to Prophet Muhammad. ### What does the Arabic term “Mala'ika” refer to? - [ ] Prophets - [ ] Believers - [x] Angels - [ ] Writers > **Explanation:** In Arabic, “Mala'ika” refers to angels, who are divine messengers in Islamic theology.

Inspiration and Reflection:

By learning about Ismāʾīl, we delve into the depths of the celestial domain’s intricacies and understand the significance of divine support in pivotal moments. May this exploration inspire us to appreciate the divine structures supporting life and beyond. 🌟

Until Next Time, Ibrahim Al-Hakim

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Islam Dictionary

IslamicTermsLexicon.com is your ultimate resource for understanding the vast and intricate world of Islamic doctrines, rites, ceremonies, customs, and technical & theological terms. Our comprehensive dictionary provides thousands of terms in both English and Arabic, each with detailed definitions, authoritative references, and quizzes designed to sharpen your understanding and enhance your learning experience.

Amina Al-Fahad Ibrahim Al-Hakim Ibrahim Al-Rashid Ibrahim Al-Hassan Hassan Al-Rashid Fatima Al-Hassan Fatima Al-Zahra Yusuf Al-Hakim Layla Al-Rashid Fatima Al-Rashid Ibrahim Al-Mansur Layla Hassan Zainab Al-Rashid Fatima Zahra Layla Al-Hassan Zayd Al-Hakim Zaynab Al-Rashid Ibrahim Al-Yusuf Layla Hasan Yusuf Al-Mahdi Yusuf Al-Rashid Dr. Layla Hassan Fatima Al-Husseini Harun Al-Rashid Ibrahim Malik Layla Ahmed Mustafa Al-Hakim Ahmad Al-Rashid Hakim Al-Rashid Hasan Al-Rashid Hassan Al-Hakim Hassan Al-Tamimi Ibrahim Al-Hakeem Ibrahim Al-Hashimi Ibrahim Al-Hussein Ibrahim Al-Karim Ibrahim Al-Khalil Ibrahim Al-Yazid Ibrahim Mustafa Khalid Al-Mansoor Omar Al-Hakim Omar Al-Rashid Samira Al-Hakim Tariq Al-Hakim Yusuf Al-Mansur Zainab Malik Zaynab Al-Hakim Zaynab Al-Hussein Ahmad Al-Hakim Fatima Ahmed Fatima Al-Husayni Fatima Al-Hussein Fatima Al-Mansouri Fatima El-Amin Fatima El-Sayed Fatima Rahman Fatima Rahmani Fatima Siddiqui Fatimah Al-Rashid Fatimah Zahra Hassan Al-Mansur Hassan Al-Razi Ibrahim Al-Husseini Ibrahim Al-Khatib Ibrahim Al-Mahdi Ibrahim Al-Mansoor Ibrahim Al-Mansour Ibrahim Al-Mansouri Ibrahim Al-Najjar Ibrahim Hassan Ibrahim Khalid Ibrahim Suleiman Khalid Al-Rashid Layla Al-Hakim Layla Al-Hashimi Layla Al-Mansoori Layla Al-Mansouri Layla Al-Zahra Layla Mahmoud Layla Mustafa Layla Rahman Tariq Al-Mansur Yasmin Al-Hassan Yasmin Al-Rashid Yusuf Al-Mansoor Yusuf Ibn Khalid Zara Ahmed Zaynab Hassan Ahmed Al-Hakim Aisha Ahmed Aisha Al-Hassan Aisha Rahman Aliyah Rahman Farah Al-Zahra Fatima Al-Habib Fatima Al-Hariri Fatima Al-Hassani Fatima Al-Mahmoud Fatima Al-Najjar Fatima Al-Qadri