Israfil

Israfil is the angel assigned with the most momentous task in all of creation: blowing the Trumpet (al-Sur) at the end of time. He is not mentioned by name in the Quran but is firmly established in authentic hadith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made frequent reference to Israfil, saying that he has been carrying the trumpet to his lips since creation, waiting for the command of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'How can I enjoy life when the angel of the trumpet has already put it to his lips, bent his forehead, and is waiting to hear when he will be commanded to blow?' This hadith had a profound effect on the companions, who asked what they should say in this state, and the Prophet taught them the supplication: 'Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the best of guardians.' Israfil will blow the trumpet twice. The first blow (al-nafkha al-ula) will cause all creation to faint and die — the end of this world. Then Allah will ask: 'Whose is the dominion today?' — and there will be no one to answer. The second blow (al-nafkha al-thaniya) will resurrect all of creation for the Day of Judgment. The Prophet ﷺ used to begin his night prayer with the supplication: 'O Allah, Lord of Jibril, Mikail, and Israfil...' — pairing Israfil with the two Quranically-named archangels. He is identified by some scholars with the Raphael of Biblical tradition.