Belief in the Angels: The Second Pillar of Iman
Suggest editNature of Angels
Angels (الملائكة, mala'ikah) are created from light, as the Prophet stated: 'The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from a smokeless flame of fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to you' (Sahih Muslim 2996). They are honored servants of Allah who do not disobey Him and execute whatever He commands (Quran 66:6). They do not eat, drink, sleep, or have gender, and they are invisible to humans under normal circumstances.
Named Angels and Their Duties
Jibril (Gabriel): The greatest angel, responsible for delivering revelation to the prophets. He brought the Quran to Muhammad. Mika'il (Michael): Charged with rain and vegetation. Israfil: Will blow the Trumpet on the Day of Judgment. Malik: Guardian of Hellfire. Ridwan: Guardian of Paradise. Munkar and Nakir: Question the deceased in the grave. Kiraman Katibin: The noble scribes who record every person's deeds (Quran 82:10-12).
Other Angelic Roles
Angels carry the Throne of Allah (Quran 40:7), guard humans (Quran 13:11), attend gatherings of dhikr, convey salutations upon the Prophet, take souls at death, and intercede for the believers with Allah's permission. Their number is immense; the Prophet mentioned that the much-frequented house (al-Bayt al-Ma'mur) in the heavens is visited daily by 70,000 angels who never return to it.