ISLAM FOR BEGINNERS

These Facts about Angels Will Inspire You All the Time

Angels hold a significant place in Islamic belief, and understanding them is vital for every Muslim. They are unseen beings, created by Allah SWT from light, who serve as His obedient servants and carry out His commands. They play various roles in the divine order, including serving as messengers, protectors, and recorders of human deeds. As someone who embraced Islam in 2019, learning about angels was an enlightening part of my journey. The intricate roles they play in the universe and their constant presence in our lives brought me closer to understanding Allah’s SWT perfection and mercy. In this article, I’ll share some key facts about angels in Islam, focusing on their creation, roles, and the main angels in Islam. I’ll also provide insights into the angels in Islam names that are frequently mentioned in the Quran and Hadith.

The Shy Nature of Angels: Creating an Angel-Friendly Home

When I first learned about angels in Islam, I was amazed by their unique qualities and the roles they play in our lives. Among the many facts about angels, there were two that stood out to me the most: angels are shy creatures, and they avoid places where there are pictures or items with eyes on them.

One of the fascinating facts about angels is that they have a nature of modesty and shyness. This is why, for example, they would not enter a place where something inappropriate or immodest is happening. Their shyness is also the reason they would not approach spaces with pictures or statues of living beings that have eyes, as these are seen as inappropriate or even disrespectful in Islam.

I still remember the first time I learned this, I looked around my house and realized I had so many pictures around the house and decorations with faces on them. At first, it seemed like such a small detail, but when you truly think about it, we want our homes to be blessed places where angels feel welcome. I began removing these items, knowing it was an easy step toward creating a space that aligns with the teachings of Islam.

The Facts about Angels: Creation and Nature of Angels

Onother of the fascinating facts about angels is that they are created from light (“noor”). This is a sharp contrast to humans, who are created from clay, and jinn, who are created from smokeless fire. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you” (Sahih Muslim).

Angels are unique because they have no free will; they are in a constant state of submission to Allah SWT. Unlike humans and jinn, they cannot sin or disobey Allah SWT. Their entire existence revolves around worshipping and obeying their Creator. They do not eat, drink, or tire, and their devotion is unwavering. These qualities make them exemplary beings that inspire Muslims to strive for obedience and piety.

The Qur’an and Hadith provide clear details about the creation and purpose of angels. They are:

  1. Created from Light: As narrated in a Hadith by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “The Angels were created from light, the Jinn from smokeless fire, and Adam from what has been described to you” (Sahih Muslim).
  2. Genderless: Angels are neither male nor female. They are free from human desires and functions like eating, sleeping, or reproduction.
  3. Numerous in Number: The exact number of angels is known only to Allah SWT. However, the vastness of their numbers is hinted at in Islamic texts.

How many angles are actually there?

The answer is very simple. We don’t know! But just to imagine keep reading this.

Baitul Ma’mur or the or house which is situated on the 7th heaven, directly above the Ka’aba on earth. The angels make Tawaf go to this ‘house’ like when performing Hajj or Umrah around Ka’aba. Seventy thousand angels enter into it daily and, after they come out, they never return again. Then another 70 000 angels come and do the same, repeating over and over again. This only shows the number of angels is incredibly high, we can hardly imagine.

The Roles of Angels in Islam

The roles of angels in Islam are vast and diverse. They are involved in the creation of life, recording deeds, and even in delivering divine revelation. Here are some of the essential roles they play:

  1. Messengers of Allah SWT: One of the primary duties of angels is to convey Allah’s SWT messages to His prophets. For example, Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) AS is known for bringing revelations to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
  2. Guardians of Humanity: Some angels are assigned to protect humans. They shield us from harm and ensure that Allah’s SWT decree is fulfilled.
  3. Record Keepers: Two angels accompany every individual to record their deeds. These angels, known as Kiraman Katibeen, document every action, good or bad, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
  4. Executors of God’s Will: Angels are responsible for carrying out Allah’s SWT commands in the universe, such as managing the weather, taking souls at the time of death, and glorifying Allah SWT.

Understanding these roles helps us appreciate the depth of their contribution to The Almighty order and strengthens our belief in Allah’s SWT meticulous planning.

The Main Angels in Islam

Knowing the angels in Islam names and their duties enriches a believer’s understanding of their purpose. When discussing the main angels in Islam, there are four whose roles are particularly significant:

  1. Jibreel AS: Known as the Angel of Revelation, Jibreel’s AS primary role was to deliver Allah’s SWT messages to the prophets. He is the one who conveyed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years. Jibreel AS is often described as possessing immense strength and beauty.
  2. Mika’eel AS: Mika’eel AS is responsible for providing sustenance to Allah’s SWT creation. He oversees the rainfall, the growth of plants, and the distribution of resources necessary for life.
  3. Israfeel AS: Israfeel AS will blow the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment. The first blow will mark the end of the world, and the second will bring about the resurrection.
  4. Malik: Malik is the keeper of Hell. He oversees the punishment of those who have earned Allah’s wrath.

These angels in Islam names are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, highlighting their vital roles in the grand scheme of Allah’s creation.

Lesser-Known Angels and Their Roles

While the main angels in Islam are widely recognized, many other angels perform specific duties:

  • Raqib and Atid: These are the recording angels mentioned earlier. Raqib records good deeds, while Atid records bad deeds.
  • Munkar and Nakir: These angels question the deceased in their graves about their faith and actions in the world.
  • Ridwan: Ridwan is the keeper of Paradise, welcoming the righteous into their eternal abode.
  • Azrael (Angel of Death): Azrael is tasked with taking the souls of the living at their appointed time.

Each of these angels plays a unique role, emphasizing the intricate and purposeful nature of Allah’s SWT creation.

Interaction Between Humans and Angels

Another fascinating aspect of the facts about angels is their interaction with humans. While angels are invisible to the human eye, their presence is felt in various ways:

  • During Worship: Angels descend to listen when the Quran is recited and when Muslims gather to remember Allah SWT. This highlights the importance of sincerity and devotion in worship.
  • At Birth and Death: Angels are present at the birth of every human being, recording their fate. Similarly, angels take the soul at the time of death, ensuring that Allah’s SWT decree is carried out.

The Most Touching Part for Me

Another one of the key facts about angels is that they are constantly making dua (prayers) for us, especially when we are in a state of worship or doing good deeds. Knowing this, I felt even more motivated to make my home a place where angels would be present and where Allah’s SWT blessings would descend.

  • Supplication: When a believer prays for another person, angels say, “Ameen, and for you the same.” This demonstrates their role in supporting believers.
    It is highly encouraged to make du’a for others because not only the angels are making the same du’a for you as well but it does bring you closer to Allah SWT. And that’s what every believer wants at the end of the day. 

These interactions remind us that we are never truly alone, as angels are always with us, fulfilling their roles. Angels are the most incredible beings. The more I learn about them the more fascinated I am by their duties and obedience to Allah SWT.

Lessons from the Angels

Learning about the facts about angels in Islam offers numerous lessons for Muslims. Their obedience inspires us to submit to Allah SWT wholeheartedly. Their dedication to worship reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Allah SWT above all else. Additionally, knowing that our deeds are constantly being recorded encourages us to strive for righteousness and avoid sin.

Misconceptions About Angels

It’s essential to address common misconceptions about angels in Islam. Unlike depictions in other cultures, angels are not gendered, nor do they possess free will. They are neither fallen beings nor creatures who rebel against Allah. These distinctions highlight the purity and uniqueness of angels in Islamic theachings.

  1. Angels Do Not Appear as Humans Without Allah’s Will: While angels can take human form, this happens only by Allah’s command, such as when Jibreel appeared as companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
  2. Angels Do Not Sin: Unlike humans and jinn, angels are incapable of sinning or disobeying Allah SWT.
  3. No Worship of Angels: Muslims revere angels but do not worship them. Worship is reserved solely for Allah SWT.

Lessons From Belief in Angels

Belief in angels reinforces essential aspects of a Muslim’s faith:

  1. Accountability: Knowing that Raqib and Atid record every action fosters a sense of accountability.
  2. Trust in Allah’s SWT Plan: Angels execute Allah’s SWT commands flawlessly, reminding believers to trust in divine wisdom.
  3. Hope and Reassurance: The presence of guardian angels and the mercy they deliver provide comfort and hope.
  4. Encouragement for Worship: Observing the devotion of angels inspires Muslims to strive in their worship and obedience to Allah SWT.

Conclusion

The facts about angels in Islam reveal their crucial roles in the universe and in our lives. From the main angels in Islam, like Jibreel AS and Mika’eel AS, to the recording angels and those who question us in our graves, their presence is a testament to Allah’s SWT perfect design. Learning about the angels in Islam names and their duties deepens our faith and helps us appreciate the unseen aspects of our existence. And makes you wonder what else is there that is invisible to us???

I hope this article inspires you to reflect on the role of angels in your life and to seek a deeper connection with your Creator. If you’re on a journey to learn more about Islam, I encourage you to reflect on these facts about angels. Their presence brings comfort, peace, and blessings, and small changes in our homes can make a big difference. After all, who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by angels and the mercy of Allah?

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