Angels in Islam are made from light. Jinn’s are made from fire. And Human’s are created in a way that has been explained to you.
Ibn Hajar, mentioned in Fath and Rabi’ al-Abrar, said Sa’id b. al-Musayyab shared, “Angels are not male or female. They don’t eat, drink, marry, or have kids.” Angels in Islam are pure and don’t have selfish desires.
Allah calls angels “slaves” and honors them because they are connected to His name, the All-Merciful. Those who think angels are female are wrong; they say this without knowing. Allah says in Quran:
And they make the angels who themselves are slaves to the Most Beneficent (Allah) females. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be questioned!
Surah Az-Zukhruf – 19
Allah, who is glorious and exalted, says that real devotion isn’t just about facing East or West. It’s about truly believing in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets.
Surah Baqara 177
The Noble Qur’an teaches us that believing in angels is a fundamental part of our faith. It’s crucial because Allah’s messages to the Prophet came through an angel. The angel’s name was Jibril. Jibril is responsible for delivering revelations.
If someone denies the existence of angels, they are also rejecting the idea of Divine Books. As a result, they are also rejecting the messages of the Messengers.
The Wings of the Angels in Islam
Allah, who is glorious, tells us that angels have wings. Some have two, some three, some four, and some even more. In a story, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), may Allah bless him, saw the angel Jibril with six hundred wings during the Night Journey. They were so vast, like the distance between the east and the west. That’s why Allah says,
“He adds to creation in any way He wills.”
Surah Fatir 1
The vastness of Angels in Islam
Angels are really big, much bigger than other creatures we usually see. This is shown by the words “of the Almighty.” Believers, keep yourselves and your families safe from a Fire. It burns with people and stones. Powerful angels watch over it, always obeying Allah’s orders. (Surah At-Tahrim – 6)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “I can talk about one of the Bearers of the Throne. His two feet are on the lowest earth, and the Throne sits on top of his head. The space between his earlobes and his neck is as far as a bird flies for seven hundred years.”
Angels names in islam and their duties
The Different Types of Angels
1. Jibril, Mika’il, and Israfil
In the wondrous realm of Allah’s glorious hosts are three noble angels. They are named Jibril, Mika’il, and Israfil. These celestial beings are the greatest among Allah’s creations. Praise and exalted be His name!
Jibril, peace be upon him, has a special role. He is the Faithful Spirit entrusted with conveying Allah’s revelations to His blessed Messengers. The Almighty, in His wisdom, revealed in clear Arabic language:
“The Faithful Spirit brought it down upon your heart for you to be one of the Warners in a clear Arabic tongue.”
(Quran 26:193-195)
Another esteemed angel is Mika’il. Peace be upon him. He is trusted with the duty of rain. He follows the command of Allah, spreading rainfall wherever it is ordained. Mika’il holds a lofty position. He is honored by the Almighty and has helpers obedient to his Lord’s command. They move the winds and clouds according to the wishes of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic.
Ibn ‘Abbas said that the Prophet (ﷺ) asked Jibril about Mika’il’s duties. Jibril replied, “Mika’il is in charge of plants and rain.””
In another narration from Anas b. Malik, the Prophet (ﷺ), questioned Jibril about Mika’il’s demeanor. He asked why he never sees Mika’il laugh. Jibril responded, “Mika’il has not laughed since the Fire was created.” May Allah bless these celestial beings. And, may we learn from their noble traits.
This is from a narration by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri. He transmitted it to Imam Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi. In it, the Messenger of Allah said something urgently. He said, “How can I enjoy myself? The one with the Trumpet has raised it to his mouth, knitted his brow, and is waiting to blow.”
When asked for guidance, the Prophet advised, “Say: Allah is enough for us and the best Guardian. We have put our trust in Allah.”
These three noble angels are Jibril, Mika’il, and Israfil. They lead the angelic hosts. The Prophet, may Allah bless him, acknowledged their positions in supplication. He said, “O Allah, Lord of Jibril, Mika’il, and Israfil! You made the heavens and the earth. You know the unseen and the seen.”
You are the top judge. You settle fights among your servants on their differing matters. Guide us to the truth in respect of the things about which there is disagreement by Your permission. You guide whomever You will to a straight path.”
2. The Angel of Death
Another angel, Death (after life in Islam), oversees the delicate move of souls from this world to the afterlife. This angel, in line with Allah’s plan, is accompanied by helpers. They gently or sternly extract the soul, depending on the person’s deeds. The Angel of Death makes sure souls go to their proper homes. They may be peaceful or full of torment.
3. The Guardian Angels
Every person is safeguarded by angels, both in moments of rest and during journeys. They rotate their watchful duties. They keep constant vigil over individuals, protecting them by Allah’s command. The angels are committed to their roles. This shows the careful way Allah cares for His creation.
4. The Recording Angels
Angels diligently document the deeds of each person. They record the good and the bad with great care. These noble scribes are positioned by Allah’s command. They observe and document actions to ensure a complete record. The angels on the right record good deeds. Those on the left record sins. This emphasizes the divine accountability for every soul.
5. Munkar and Nakir
Two angels preside over the questioning of individuals in their graves. They are Munkar and Nakir. Tasked with evaluating one’s faith and deeds, they extract confessions from the deceased. The encounter is a prelude to the afterlife. The righteous find solace. Those who engage in wrongdoing bear the repercussions of their deeds.
6. The Custodians of the Garden and the Fire
Ridwan, the custodian of Paradise, oversees the gates of the Garden. His angelic companions greet the righteous. They offer peace and entry into the eternal bliss promised by Allah. Malik was entrusted with the Fire. He manages the torment for those who rejected Allah’s guidance. Both angels fulfill their divine roles with absolute obedience and authority.
7. The Angel of Mountains
An angel was assigned to the mountains. The angel shows divine mercy in response to the Prophet’s prayer. This angel was ready to unleash the mountains’ force on a disobedient community. But, the Prophet’s compassion led him to seek reprieve. Allah’s mercy won. It allowed time for potential repentance and for a righteous generation to emerge.
8. The Bearers of the Throne
Eight majestic angels bear the heavy Throne of Allah. This shows their high status and firm commitment to divine duty. Each row of angels displays reverence and submission. This reinforces the order set by Allah.
9. The Karubiyyun
The Karubiyyun, chiefs among the angels, embody proximity to Allah and unwavering devotion. Their name comes from their intense fear and awe of Allah. It symbolizes their dedication to divine service. The Karubiyyun’s worship reflects the pinnacle of spiritual strength and steadfastness.
10. Angels of Visions
An angelic entity governs the realm of dreams. It shows people visions that may predict the future or convey divine messages. These dreams come from the Preserved Tablet. They offer insights, warnings, or encouragement. They serve as a bridge between the metaphysical and earthly realms.
11. Angels of Dhikr
Angels rove the earth, seeking gatherings of remembrance (dhikr) of Allah. Their joyous presence makes the spiritual energy of such gatherings stronger. They ascend to the heavens and report the praise of the worshippers. This divine acknowledgment raises the importance of collective remembrance. It strengthens the link between the earthly and celestial realms.
12. Angels of Visions
An angelic entity governs the realm of dreams. It presents individuals with visions. These may foretell future events or convey divine messages. These dreams arise from the Preserved Tablet. They offer insights, warnings, or encouragement. They serve as a bridge between the metaphysical and earthly realms.
20 names of angels in Islam
Meet 20 Angels in Islam
- Jibril: He brings Allah’s messages to Prophets.
- Mika’il: He’s in charge of rain and plants.
- Israfil: He will blow the big trumpet on Judgment Day.
- Angel of Death: Takes our souls when it’s time.
- Guardian Angels: They protect us during sleep and travel.
- Recording Angels: Write down everything we do, good and bad.
- Munkar and Nakir: Ask questions in the grave about our faith and deeds.
- Ridwan: He guards the gates of Paradise.
- Malik: He takes care of the Fire for those who didn’t follow Allah’s guidance.
- Angel of Mountains: Listens to the Prophet’s pleas for mercy.
- Bearers of the Throne: Eight strong angels who carry Allah’s Throne.
- Karubiyyun: Chiefs among the angels who are very close to Allah.
- Angels of Visions: They bring dreams that may have messages from Allah.
- Angels of Dhikr: Attend gatherings where people remember and praise Allah.
- Hamalat al-‘Arsh: They carry the Throne of Allah. Imagine it’s like a super royal chair!
- Safwan: He’s an angel who protects the believers and helps them against their enemies.
- Hafaza: These angels are like our personal bodyguards. They keep us safe and sound.
- Raqib and Atid: These angels are always watching us. Raqib writes down our good deeds, and Atid writes down our bad deeds.
- Maalik-ul-Maut’s Helpers: These angels assist the Angel of Death in taking our souls. It sounds a bit scary, but it’s their job assigned by Allah.
- These angels fight against the evil jinn (Shayatin). The jinn try to make us do bad things. They’re like our invisible superheroes!
