Angels in Islam

Belief in angels (mala'ikah) is the second pillar of Iman. Angels are created from light, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Angels were created from light, jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you" (Sahih Muslim). They are noble servants of Allah who do not disobey Him and carry out whatever He commands: "They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, and they do what they are commanded" (Quran 66:6). They do not eat, drink, sleep, or have genders.

The Major Angels

Jibril (Gabriel) is the most noble of the angels, entrusted with delivering divine revelation to the prophets. He is called "Ruh al-Qudus" (the Holy Spirit) and "Ruh al-Amin" (the Trustworthy Spirit) in the Quran. Mikail (Michael) is responsible for rain and vegetation. Israfil will blow the Trumpet on the Day of Judgment. The Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt) takes souls at the time of death. Malik is the guardian of Hellfire, and Ridwan is the guardian of Paradise. Munkar and Nakir question the deceased in the grave. Kiraman Katibin (the Noble Scribes) record every deed: "He does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared" (Quran 50:18).

Duties of Angels

Angels perform countless functions. Some carry the Throne of Allah: "And the angels will be on its sides, and eight will bear the Throne of your Lord above them on that Day" (Quran 69:17). Some worship Allah continuously: "They exalt Him night and day and do not slacken" (Quran 21:20). Some protect humans by Allah's command: "For each person there are successive angels before and behind him who protect him by Allah's command" (Quran 13:11). Some attend gatherings of dhikr: the Prophet said that Allah has angels who roam the roads searching for people remembering Allah, and when they find such a gathering, they surround them (Sahih al-Bukhari). Some convey the salams of Muslims to the Prophet.

Jibril's Appearances

Jibril appeared to the Prophet in his true angelic form twice. The first was at the beginning of revelation, and the second was during the Isra and Miraj near Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Furthest Boundary). The Prophet described seeing him with six hundred wings, blocking the horizon (Sahih al-Bukhari). Jibril also appeared in human form on several occasions, most famously in the hadith of Jibril when he came as a man in white clothes asking about Islam, Iman, and Ihsan (Sahih Muslim). He also appeared to Maryam (Mary) in human form to announce the birth of Isa (Jesus).

The Believer's Relationship with Angels

While angels are unseen, the believer's relationship with them is real and ongoing. Angels record every deed, make dua for the believer, and seek forgiveness on their behalf: "Those who carry the Throne and those around it exalt with praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed" (Quran 40:7). The Prophet said that when a Muslim says "Amin" at the end of al-Fatiha and it coincides with the angels' "Amin," all their previous sins are forgiven (Sahih al-Bukhari). Being mindful of the angels' presence encourages the Muslim to behave righteously at all times.