ISRĀFĪL (اسرافيل)
Definition
Isrāfīl is one of the four major archangels in Islam, believed to be responsible for sounding the trumpet that will mark the Day of Resurrection (Yawm al-Qiyāmah). Unlike other angels mentioned more frequently, his name and specific duties do not appear in the Qurʾān or Hadiths directly, yet he holds a significant position in Islamic eschatological texts and scholarly interpretations.
Etymology
The name Isrāfīl is derived from the Arabic roots إسر (to sound) and فَلْ (trumpet), highlighting his role in announcing the end of the world as we know it. The name is related closely to the angelic traditions found in Abrahamic religions, where the idea of a trumpet-sounding herald also exists.
Background
Isrāfīl’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the Qurʾān, but Islamic tradition credits him with the all-important task of heralding the Last Judgment. It is believed that Isrāfīl will blow the trumpet twice: first to signal the destruction of all life, and second to signify the resurrection and gathering of all beings for judgment.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The concept of a trumpet-sounding herald of the Last Judgment exists in other Abrahamic faiths. In Christianity, an angel blows a trumpet to mark the Second Coming of Christ, detailed predominantly in the Book of Revelation. Judaism also includes similar themes, like the sounding of the shofar in eschatological contexts. These parallels highlight universal themes in eschatology across different religions, even as the specific narratives and characters vary.
Synonyms
- The Trumpet-Blower
- The Herald of the End
Antonyms
- Angel of Life (creating beings)
- Angel of Mercy (imbuing life)
Related Terms
- Yawm al-Qiyāmah: The Day of Resurrection
- Malākīk: Angels in Islam
- Dajjal: The False Messiah akin to the Antichrist
Exciting Facts
- Isrāfīl is often mentioned alongside other angels like Gabriel (Jibrīl), Michael (Mīkāl), and Azrael (Azrā’īl).
- Some scholars describe Isrāfīl as having enormous size, with his head in the heavens and feet on Earth, indicating his monumental role.
- Art and literature have depicted Isrāfīl in various forms, portraying him with a majestic trumpet, ready to fulfill his divine duty.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“In the stillness that follows the loud, he will blow gently into his trumpet, and the souls that sleep will rise.” - Zainab Al-Ghazali, Echoes of the Angels
References and Further Reading
- Al-Ghazali, Zainab. Echoes of the Angels. Islamic Eschatology Publishing Co., 2019.
- Armstrong, Karen. Islam: A Short History. Modern Library Chronicles, 2002.
- Ernst, Carl. Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World. The University of North Carolina Press, 2003.
Suggested Literature and Sources
- The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- A History of Islamic Societies by Ira M Lapidus
- Islamic Theology and Philosophy: Studies in Honor of George F. Hourani edited by Michael E. Marmura
Quizzes
Farewell
As you delve deeper into the enigmatic role of Isrāfīl and other angels in Islamic eschatology, may you be inspired by the myriad ways in which different cultures interpret the end times. Each tradition offers profound insights into the ultimate questions of existence and spirituality.
Warm regards, Rahim Al-Habisi, October 2023
