The Second Article of Faith
Belief in Angels (Malāʼika) is the second article of faith among the six articles of īmān in Islam. Created from pure light, these noble beings exist solely to worship, glorify, and obey Allah ﷺ. Though unseen, Angels play a vital role in the divine order, carrying out Allah’s ﷺ commands with perfect obedience and precision.
This chapter explores the fascinating world of Angels in Islamic theology, examining their nature, characteristics, responsibilities, and profound significance within the Muslim belief system.
What Is the Belief in Angels in Islam?
As one of the six articles of faith, Muslims must believe in Allah’s ﷺ Angels. These celestial beings inhabit the unseen realm (al-Ghayb) beyond human comprehension. Invisible to the human eye, Angels can only be perceived if Allah ﷺ grants an individual the extraordinary ability to witness their presence.
Muslims must believe in the existence of Angels, as affirmed repeatedly throughout the Quran and in the sayings of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, collectively known as Hadith. While the exact time of their creation is unknown, Angels predate the creation of human beings.
The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers. All of them have believed in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers...
Angels Are in Constant Praise and Worship of Allah
Angels do not disobey Allah ﷺ; they carry out His commands and remain in constant worship and praise, day and night, without tiring.
They exalt Him night and day and do not slacken.
Angels carry out the commands of Allah ﷺ and are constantly engaged in worship, glorification, and fulfilling the roles assigned to them. The Quran describes them as honored servants:
Rather, they are but honored servants.
Every day, 70,000 new Angels worship at Al-Bayt al-Ma’mūr in the seventh Heaven, never to return.
It is important to note that Allah ﷺ does not need the Angels’ assistance or worship, as He is free and independent, gaining nothing from the worship of His creation.
To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. Indeed, Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy.
Attributes and Nature of Angels in Islam
The Angels of Allah ﷺ are made of pure light and possess unique characteristics:
- Created from light
- Countless in number; only Allah ﷺ knows their exact number
- Capable of great speed as decreed by Allah ﷺ
- More powerful than humans
- Possess wings; some have multiple pairs
- Neither male nor female
- Have real forms created by Allah ﷺ and differ in appearance according to their assigned roles
- Free from sin and disobedience
- Remain alive until Allah ﷺ decrees their death, as will occur before the Resurrection
- Can take different forms, including human form
- Do not eat, drink, sleep, or procreate
Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ saw Angel Jibrīl in his true form with 600 wings, filling the entire horizon.
Roles and Responsibilities of Angels in Islam
As servants and messengers of Allah ﷺ, Angels operate in His kingdom with unwavering obedience and complete submission. Some are tasked with carrying out Allah’s ﷺ commands in the physical world. Though invisible to human eyes, these celestial beings constantly surround humanity.
Tasks of Angels
Angels fulfill various crucial roles in both the seen and unseen realms:
- Continuous worship of Allah ﷺ
- Carrying out Allah’s ﷺ commands, including matters such as rain and provision
- Transmission of divine messages to prophets
- Protection of believers by Allah’s ﷺ command
- Recording of human deeds
Authentic narrations state that certain Angels supplicate for people engaged in acts such as charity, seeking knowledge, or teaching beneficial knowledge. They harbor love for believers and beseech Allah ﷺ to forgive their sins. Some Angels are assigned to protect believers throughout their lives, whether at home, during travel, or while asleep.
Prominent Angels and Their Duties
The Quran and Sunnah mention several Angels by name or by duty, each with specific responsibilities:
- Angel Gabriel (Jibrīl): The Angel responsible for delivering Allah’s ﷺ revelations to the prophets, including the Quran to Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ.
- Angel Mikael (Mīkāʾīl): Oversees the sustenance of creation, including rain and crops.
- Angel Isrāfīl: Will blow the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment.
- Angel Mālik: The guardian of Hellfire.
- Angels Munkar and Nakīr: Question souls in the grave after death.
- The guardian Angels of Paradise: Assigned over Paradise.
- Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt): Takes possession of souls upon death.
Other Angels (Malāʼika) are mentioned in Islam but not specifically by name.
Angels and Mankind: The Honorable Scribes
Each person is accompanied by two Angels, known as the Honorable Scribes, who meticulously record every action and word.
One Angel records good deeds, while the other documents evil deeds, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed.
Beyond recording, Angels also pray for believers’ forgiveness, offer protection throughout their lives, and support those who engage in charitable acts or teach Islam. However, Angels supplicate for believers only by Allah’s ﷺ command and do not act as intermediaries for duʿā’.
Angels Are Not to Be Worshipped, Invoked, or Venerated
The Angels of Allah ﷺ are not to be worshipped, prayed to, supplicated to, invoked, or venerated, as they are not divine or semi-divine. The Angels (Malāʼika) merely submit to Allah ﷺ and carry out His commands. A Muslim recognizes that Angels are but a creation of Allah ﷺ.
Angels in Other Abrahamic Religions
While there are similarities in the concept of angels across Abrahamic faiths, Islam has some distinct perspectives:
- In Islam, Angels never disobey Allah ﷺ
- There is no concept of fallen Angels in Islamic theology
- Angels in Islam are not considered divine or semi-divine beings
Unlike in Christianity, where some Angels are believed to have fallen, Islam teaches that all Angels are fully obedient to Allah ﷺ.
Some Misconceptions About Angels in Islam
The following are common misconceptions that Islam clearly corrects:
- Angels are divine beings or children of Allah ﷺ
- Angels can rebel against or disobey Allah ﷺ
- Angels are male or female
- Angels have human-like needs and desires
- Angels make mistakes or can be evil
- Satan (Iblīs) was a fallen Angel
- Angels deliver prayers to Allah ﷺ or grant wishes
- Angels can be worshipped or prayed to
- Humans become Angels after death
- Angels can be summoned or controlled by humans
The Significance of Learning About and Believing in Angels
Learning about Angels (Malāʼika) is an integral part of Islamic belief and a meaningful way to strengthen one’s faith. This knowledge encourages reflection, helping believers reaffirm the greatness and wisdom of Allah ﷺ. Learning about the nature and duties of Angels naturally leads to a deeper sense of awe toward the Creator.
Angels are noble beings created from light, possessing strength and complete obedience to Allah ﷺ. Their existence reflects Allah’s ﷺ unlimited power and His will to create as He pleases, reminding believers of His absolute authority.
Reflecting on Allah’s ﷺ creation, including the Angels, reveals His majesty and nurtures humility, strengthens God-consciousness (taqwā), and deepens love and reverence for Him.
Understanding the roles of Angels also impacts daily life. Knowing that Angels record one’s deeds encourages accountability and self-awareness, motivating believers to avoid sin, increase good deeds, and act with sincerity.
- Increased awe and reverence for Allah ﷺ
- Strengthened faith and God-consciousness (taqwā)
- Greater appreciation for Allah’s ﷺ power and creation
- Increased accountability and mindfulness in daily actions
- Stronger motivation to perform good deeds and avoid wrongdoing
- Comfort in knowing that Angels pray for and protect believers by Allah’s ﷺ command
Conclusion
Belief in Angels (Malāʼika) is a foundational pillar of Islamic faith that connects the unseen world to a believer’s everyday life. Through them, Allah ﷺ manifests His wisdom, order, and mercy throughout creation. Reflecting on their purity, obedience, and constant worship reminds believers of their own purpose: to live consciously, act righteously, and remain mindful that Allah ﷺ is fully aware of all things.
Studying the Angels is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a means of strengthening faith, deepening accountability, and drawing closer to Allah ﷺ. This awareness transforms how a believer views their actions, knowing they are recorded, witnessed, and ultimately judged by the One who created both the seen and the unseen.
Watch: Angels in Islam | Who They Are, Their Roles & Why They Matter
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