Comprehensive Definition
ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل), often known as the Angel of Death (Malaku ʾl-Maut), is an archangel in Islamic eschatology responsible for extracting the souls from bodies at the time of death. His name is not directly mentioned in the Qurʾān, but his role is vividly depicted, particularly in Sūrah Al-Sajda (32:11): “The Angel of Death shall take you away, he who is given charge of you. Then unto your Lord shall you return.”
Etymology
The name ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل) is derived from Hebrew אָזְרָאֵל (Azrael), meaning “Help of God,” a combination of “Ezra” (“help”) and “El” (“God”).
Background
In Islamic tradition, it is believed that ʿIzrāʾīl holds a significant role in both the journey of believers and non-believers after death:
- Believers: The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that when the Angel of Death approaches a believer, he sits at the believer’s head and says, “O pure soul, come forth to God’s pardon and pleasure!” resulting in a gentle transition of the soul.
- Non-Believers: In contrast, ʿIzrāʾīl sits at the head of a non-believer and says, “O impure soul, come forth to the wrath of God!” making the extraction painful, likened to a hot spit being drawn out of wet wool.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Similarities
- Christianity: ʿIzrāʾīl can be compared to the figure of the Grim Reaper or Archangel Michael who also is perceived as vindicating souls in some traditions.
- Judaism: The figure akin to ʿIzrāʾīl here resembles the Angel of Death, although details and characteristics may vary.
Differences
- Depictions: Unlike the common Western imagery of the Grim Reaper with a scythe, ʿIzrāʾīl is not typically depicted with specific attributes such as clothing or weaponry. He is believed to appear differently to each soul due to the spiritual state of the person at the time of death.
Synonyms
- Malaku ʾl-Maut (The Angel of Death)
- Azrael (common Western and Jewish text usage)
Antonyms
- Angels related to Joy and Life: Such as Archangel Gabriel (Jibril), who is typically associated with delivering God’s messages and good news.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Jibrīl (Gabriel): The Archangel who revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad.
- Munkar and Nakīr: Angels who interrogate the souls in the grave.
- Qiyāmah: The Day of Judgment, when all souls are to be judged by the Almighty.
Exciting Facts
- Islamic tradition states that ʿIzrāʾīl inscribes and erases the names of individuals from the “Tree of Life,” determining the length of their lives.
- It’s a common belief that ʿIzrāʾīl personally knows the identities of those he collects daily and feels joy or sorrow according to the soul he meets—compassion for believers and justice for non-believers.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“In the hour of death, ʿIzrāʾīl, the gentle comforter for the devoted, or the terrifying apparition for the heedless, personifies the ultimate truth where souls discover their authentic destination.” - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya “To refuse ʿIzrāʾīl is to deny the very essence of Islam’s teaching on life and death—as natural as the orbiting planets.” - Syed Muhamad Bukhari
Suggested Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies and Inspiration
- “The Soul’s Journey after Death” by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya
- “Death and the Afterlife: The Islamic View” by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi
- “Islamic Eschatology: The Afterlife and the Hour” by Jane Idleman Smith and Yvonne Y. Haddad
Quizzes
voiced with an embrace of sin副 integraće
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Take from the lessons of ʿIzrāʾīl not a fear of mortality, but a deeper appreciation for the present life and the duties laid upon your shoulders. Reflect upon your journey to balance the soul’s ends because after all, life’s way is practice for the truth that lies beyond.
- Samira Al-Hakim, October 2023
