Introduction
The concept of Malaku ʾL-MAUT (ملك الموت), or the Angel of Death, holds profound significance in Islamic theology. Islamic eschatology describes this celestial being as the one who extracts souls from bodies upon death. Key references to Malaku ʾL-MAUT can be found within the Qurʾān, adding weight and depth to this vital religious figure.
Etymology and Background
The term Malaku ʾL-MAUT (ملك الموت) directly translates to “Angel of Death” in Arabic. The root word “Malak” (ملك) means “angel,” and “Maut” (موت) translates to “death.” The name highlights the angel’s solemn duty in the realms of life and death as ordained by God.
In the Qurʾān, Sūrah 32:11 states:
“The angel of death who is charged with you shall cause you to die: then ye shall be returned to your Lord.”
This passage underscores the importance of Malaku ʾL-MAUT in the life-after-death journey, positioning this angel as the divine intermediary.
Significance and Role
The Angel of Death, also named ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل), has a pivotal role in Islamic beliefs. It’s said that ʿIzrāʾīl respects the divine timeline of each soul, ensuring that every person’s death occurs at its preordained moment.
Cultural Perceptions: In various cultures, ʿIzrāʾīl is a figure evoking both fear and peace, reflecting the dual nature of death as an end and a new beginning.
Comparisons with Other Religions
- Christianity and Judaism: These faiths have similar concepts with figures like the Archangel Michael or the Angel of Death acting according to divine decree.
- Hinduism: In Hindu theology, Lord Yama performs a comparable function as the deity presiding over death and judgment.
Related Terms and Concepts
- Eschatology: Study of afterlife from various religious perspectives.
- Qiyāmah: Islamic belief in the Day of Judgment.
- Barzakh: The intermediate state between death and resurrection.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Azrael (ʿIzrāʾīl), Angel of Death
- Antonyms: (Conceptually) Angel of Life
Exciting Facts
- The Angel of Death in Islam does not discriminate by virtue of status. Underscoring the egalitarian perception of death in Islam.
- Various ahadith highlight ʿIzrāʾīl’s role, emphasizing its instantaneous obedience to God’s will.
Quotations
Rumi on the transient nature of the world and death:
“This world is a dream. Only in the hereafter will we find reality.”
Suggested Literature
- “Islamic Eschatology: Death, Resurrection, and Human Destiny,” by Jane I. Smith and Yvonne Y. Haddad
- “The Divine Reality: God, Islam and the Mirage of Atheism,” by Hamza Andreas Tzortzis
Further Studies
For a deeper understanding, explore works by scholars in Islamic studies, and comparative religion focusing on life after death. Works by Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Fazlur Rahman provide rich insights into Islamic theology and philosophy.
Conclusion
The study of Malaku ʾL-MAUT offers a profound exploration into the Islamic perspective on life, death, and the transit beyond. Understanding this concept invites a reflection on the temporal nature of human life and the eternal journey of the soul.
💡 “Every end has a new beginning. In understanding the Angel of Death, we explore the continuum of existence.” - Leila Suleiman, 2023
