Mala'ika: Angels in Islam
In Islamic theology, angels hold a significant place as celestial beings created by Allah (God) to carry out various tasks within the universe and to serve as messengers and agents of divine will. Muslims believe in the existence of angels as an essential aspect of their faith, and their belief in angels is based on the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad).
Here are key beliefs about angels in Islam:
Existence and Nature: Muslims believe that angels exist as spiritual beings created by Allah from light (nur). They are beings that possess no free will and always obey the commands of Allah without question.
Submission to Allah: Angels continuously worship and glorify Allah, carrying out His commands with utmost obedience and devotion. They are devoid of any desire for rebellion or disobedience.
Invisible Beings: Angels are believed to be invisible to human beings in their true form. They operate in the unseen realm (Al-Ghaib) and interact with the physical world according to the will of Allah.
Roles and Functions: Angels serve various roles and functions within the Islamic cosmology. Some angels are tasked with recording human deeds, others serve as guardians, and some are responsible for delivering Allah’s messages to the prophets.
Jibril (Gabriel): Jibril is one of the most prominent angels in Islamic tradition. He is known as the Angel of Revelation and is responsible for delivering Allah’s messages to the prophets, including the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Mikail (Michael): Mikail is another significant angel in Islam, often associated with providing sustenance and provisions to all creatures according to Allah’s decree.
Israfil: Israfil is believed to be the angel responsible for blowing the trumpet (Sur) to signal the Day of Judgment, heralding the end of the world and the resurrection of the dead.
Guardian Angels: Muslims believe that every individual is assigned guardian angels who record their deeds and protect them from harm. These angels accompany humans throughout their lives, offering support and guidance.
Angels of Mercy and Punishment: Angels of mercy and angels of punishment are tasked with rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked on the Day of Judgment based on their deeds in the earthly life.
In summary, angels occupy a central role in Islamic theology, serving as messengers, guardians, and agents of divine will. Muslims believe in their existence as part of their faith in the unseen realm and recognize their significance in the cosmic order established by Allah. The belief in angels underscores the omnipotence and sovereignty of Allah and reinforces the concept of accountability and divine guidance in the lives of believers.
