Angels

Book 4

Messengers of Allah to His Human Caliphs,

on the Earth

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Chapter 3:

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Angels:

The Honorable Worshippers of Allah,

in the Holy Quran

By Hasan Ali El-Najjar

Rabi' Al-Awwal 1435 - January 2014

Updated on 10th of Sha'ban, 1438 - 6th of May 2017

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الْمَلَائِكَةُ: عِبَادُ اللهِ المُكْرَمِينَ

فِي الْقُرْآنِ الْكَرِيمِ

تأليف

حسن علي النجار

ربيع الأول 1435 - يناير 2014

تمت مراجعة هذا الفصل في العاشر من شعبان 1438 - االسادس من مايو 2017

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أعوذُ باللهِ منَ الشيطانِ الرجيم

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

I seek refuge with God from the Stoned Shaytan

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Introduction

In a famous ‘Hadith, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him (pbbuh), mentioned three levels of faith or religiosity. These are Islam, Iman, and I’hsan. [1] Islam is addressed in Part II of this book and Iman is the topic of Part III. An essential component of Iman is the belief that there are angels, which is the topic of this Chapter.

The Arabic word /malak/, angel, as a singular noun, was mentioned in the Holy Quran thirteen times, as a dual noun (two angels /malakayn/) twice, and as a plural noun (angels, /mala-ika), seventy-three times. [2]

This Chapter attempts to classify a selected number of verses referring to angels into separate categories, according to their meanings, which include their nature, their tasks in heavens, on Earth, on the Last Day, and how they treat believers and nonbelievers.

1. Belief in Angels is Part of the Belief in Allah

An essential component of a Muslim’s faith is to believe that there are angels, who worship their Lord, Allah, praise to him, obey Him, and carry out His commands, as stated in verses 2: 285 and 4: 136.

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّـهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ ۚ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۖ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ ﴿البقرة ، 2: 285﴾.

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, (saying), "We do not favor any of His messengers over others." And they say, "We hear and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the (final) destination" (Al-Baqara, 2: 285).

وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِاللَّـهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا بَعِيدًا (النساء ، 4: 136).

And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day - then indeed, he/she has gone far astray (Al-Nisa, 4: 136).

2. Angels Who Are Mentioned in the Holy Quran

There are references to forty-one angels or categories of angels in the Holy Quran. Five of them are mentioned by name. These are Jibril (Gabriel, the most senior angel, who is the medium of communication between God and humans), Mikal (Michael, who is in charge with sustenance), Malik (who is in charge with the Hellfire), as well as Haroot, and Maroot (who were in Babylon, teaching people magic), as stated in verses 2: 98, 43: 47-77, and 2: 102.

مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِّلَّـهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَجِبْرِيلَ وَمِيكَالَ فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَدُوٌّ لِّلْكَافِرِينَ ﴿البقرة ، 2: 98﴾.

Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His angels, His messengers, and (to) Jibril and Mikal (Gabriel and Michael) - then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers (Al-Baqara, 2: 98).

وَنَادَوْا يَا مَالِكُ لِيَقْضِ عَلَيْنَا رَبُّكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنَّكُم مَّاكِثُونَ (الزخرف ، 43: 77).

And they (the criminals) will call, "O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!" He will say, "Indeed, you will remain (in the Hellfire)" (Al-Zukhruf, 43: 77).

وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ ۖ وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَانُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ كَفَرُوا يُعَلِّمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَى الْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَارُوتَ وَمَارُوتَ ۚ وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلَا تَكْفُرْ ۖ ﴿البقرة ، 2: 102﴾ .

And they followed what the devils had recited during the reign of Sulayman (Solomon). It was not Sulayman who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic. (They also followed) that which was revealed to the two angels in Babyl (Babylon), Haroot and Maroot, who did not teach anyone unless they would say, "We are a trial, so do not disbelieve (by practicing magic)" (Al-Baqara, 2: 102).

Two more angels are mentioned for their two great tasks but without mentioning their names, as stated in verses 32: 11 and 39: 68.

قُلْ يَتَوَفَّاكُم مَّلَكُ الْمَوْتِ الَّذِي وُكِّلَ بِكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ تُرْجَعُونَ (السجدة ، 32: 11).

Say, "The angel of death will take your souls, as he is tasked to do so. Then, you will be returned to your Lord" (Al-Sajda, 32: 11).

وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ فَصَعِقَ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَن شَاءَ اللَّـهُ ۖ ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنظُرُونَ (الزمر ، 39: 68).

And the Trumpet will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the Earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then, as soon as it will be blown again, they will be standing, looking on (Al-Zumar, 39: 68).

An eighth senior angel and his assistants are in charge of Paradise. Some scholars identified him as Radhwan (Content), as entering Paradise is the result of God's content with His worshippers. In the following 'Hadith, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, mentions him but without providing his name:

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ ، رضي الله عنه قَالَ ، قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ، صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:

"آتِي بَابَ الْجَنَّةِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَأَسْتَفْتِحُ ، فَيَقُولُ الْخَازِنُ مَنْ أَنْتَ؟

فَأَقُولُ مُحَمَّدٌ. فَيَقُولُ بِكَ أُمِرْتُ لَا أَفْتَحُ لِأَحَدٍ قَبْلَكَ (البخاري ومسلم).

Companion Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said:

"On the Day of Judgment, I come to the gate of Paradise, asking for it to open.

The (angel) in charge says: Who are you? I say: Muhammed.

He says: I have been commanded not to open (the gate) to anyone before you" (This 'Hadith was recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Eight more angels are mentioned as the Carriers of the Throne, as stated in verses 69: 16-17.

وَانشَقَّتِ السَّمَاءُ فَهِيَ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَاهِيَةٌ

وَالْمَلَكُ عَلَىٰ أَرْجَائِهَا ۚ وَيَحْمِلُ عَرْشَ رَبِّكَ فَوْقَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ ثَمَانِيَةٌ (الحاقة ، 69: 16-17).

And the heaven will split (open), becoming weak on that Day.

And the angels are at its edges. And above them, there will be eight (other angels), carrying the Throne of your Lord (Al-'Haqqa, 69: 16-17).

Nineteen angels are mentioned as Zabaniya, who work for Malik, in charge of the Hellfire, as stated in verses 74: 27-30 and 96: 18.

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا سَقَرُ ﴿٢٧﴾ لَا تُبْقِي وَلَا تَذَرُ ﴿٢٨﴾ لَوَّاحَةٌ لِّلْبَشَرِ ﴿٢٩﴾ عَلَيْهَا تِسْعَةَ عَشَرَ ﴿٣٠﴾ (المدثر ، 74: 27-30).

And what is Saqar? (27) It is (the Hellfire, which) lets nothing remain and leaves nothing (unburned), (28) Blackening the skins. (29) Over it are nineteen (angels in charge). (30) (Al-Muddathir, 74: 27-30).

فَلْيَدْعُ نَادِيَهُ ﴿١٧﴾ سَنَدْعُ الزَّبَانِيَةَ ﴿١٨﴾ (العلق ، 96: 17-18).

Then let him (the disbeliever) call his associates; (17) We will call Al-Zabaniya (the angels of Hell) (18) (Al-'Alaq, 96: 17-18.

Moreover, three pairs of angels are mentioned as tasked for every human being. The first pair is described as mutalaqiyan, the two recipients, who are in charge of recording his/her deeds in this life, as stated in verses 50: 17-18.

إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى الْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ الْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ الشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ ﴿١٧﴾ مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ ﴿١٨﴾ (ق ، 50: 17-18).

The mutalaqiyan (the two recipient angels) are seated on the right and the left (of the human being). (17)

(These) vigilant watchers (record) any words he/she utters (18) (Qaf, 50: 17-18).

The second pair is tasked of questioning him/her directly after death, asking about his/her major beliefs, as we learn from the following 'Hadith:

عَنْ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبٍ ، رضي الله عنه ،عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال عن سؤال االمتوفي: "وَيَأْتِيهِ مَلَكَانِ فَيُجْلِسَانِهِ ، فَيَقُولَانِ لَهُ مَنْ رَبُّكَ وَمَا دِينُكَ وَمَنْ نَبِيُّكَ؟" (سنن أبي داود).

Companion Al-Bara' Bin 'Hazim, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, pbbuh, said when a person dies, two angels question him/her, asking: "Who is your Lord (God)? What's your religion? Who is the Prophet (you followed)?" (Sunan Abi Dawood).

The Holy Quran mentions that the angels of death scold self-oppressors and disbelievers, as they take their souls, but without mentioning that they are pairs of angels, as stated in verses 4: 97 and 8: 50-51.

إنَّ الَّذِينَ تَوَفَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ ظَالِمِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ قَالُوا فِيمَ كُنْتُمْ قَالُوا كُنَّا مُسْتَضْعَفِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ قَالُوا أَلَمْ تَكُنْ أَرْضُ اللَّهِ وَاسِعَةً فَتُهَاجِرُوا فِيهَا فَأُولَئِكَ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرًا (النساء ، 4: 97).

وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ۙ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَارَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا عَذَابَ الْحَرِيقِ ﴿٥٠﴾

ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَأَنَّ اللَّـهَ لَيْسَ بِظَلَّامٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ ﴿٥١﴾ (الأنفال ، 8: 50-51).

Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while wronging themselves - [the angels] will say, "In what [condition] were you?" They will say, "We were oppressed in the land." The angels will say, "Was not the earth of Allah spacious [enough] for you to emigrate therein?" For those, their refuge is Hell - and evil it is as a destination (Al-Nissa, 4: 97).

And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved... They are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire. (50)

That is for what your hands have put forth [of evil] and because Allah is not ever unjust to His servants." (51) (Al-Anfal, 8: 50-51).

The third pair of angels is described as composed of sa-iq and shaheed (driver and witness), who accompany every human being on the Day of Judgment, as stated in verses 50: 20-21.

وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ الْوَعِيدِ ﴿٢٠﴾ وَجَاءَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّعَهَا سَائِقٌ وَشَهِيدٌ ﴿٢١﴾ (ق ، 50: 20-21).

And the Horn will be blown. That is the Day of [carrying out] the threat. (20) And every soul will come, with it a driver and a witness. (21) (Qaf, 50: 20-21).

3. Their Nature

Allah, praise to Him, sends His angels to Earth, to carry out His commands. They are usually invisible to humans (9: 26, 33: 9). However, they may appear as humans to carry out certain tasks but they do not eat food, as we understand from verses 11: 69-71, in which Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, provided them with food but they did not eat it.

ثُمَّ أَنزَلَ اللَّـهُ سَكِينَتَهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ وَعَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَأَنزَلَ جُنُودًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا (التوبة ، 9: 26).

فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا وَجُنُودًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا ۚ (الأحزاب ، 33: 9).

Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers and sent down soldiers angels whom you did not see (Al-Tawba, 9: 26).

We sent upon them a wind and armies [of angels] you did not see (Al-A'hzab, 33: 9).

وَلَقَدْ جَاءَتْ رُسُلُنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ بِالْبُشْرَىٰ قَالُوا سَلَامًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ ۖ فَمَا لَبِثَ أَن جَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ حَنِيذٍ ﴿٦٩﴾

فَلَمَّا رَأَىٰ أَيْدِيَهُمْ لَا تَصِلُ إِلَيْهِ نَكِرَهُمْ وَأَوْجَسَ مِنْهُمْ خِيفَةً ۚ قَالُوا لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِ لُوطٍ ﴿٧٠﴾

وَامْرَأَتُهُ قَائِمَةٌ فَضَحِكَتْ فَبَشَّرْنَاهَا بِإِسْحَاقَ وَمِن وَرَاءِ إِسْحَاقَ يَعْقُوبَ ﴿٧١﴾ (هود ، 11: 69-71).

And certainly did Our messengers (angels) come to Ibrahim (Abraham) with good tidings; they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and did not delay in bringing (them) a roasted calf. (69)

But when he saw their hands not reaching for it, he distrusted them and felt apprehension from them. They said, "Fear not. We have been sent to the people of Loot (Lot)." (70)

And his Wife was standing, and she smiled. Then, We gave her good tidings of Iss'haq (Isaac) and after Iss'haq, Ya'qoob (Jacob). (71) (Hood, 11: 69-71).

When angels descend to communicate with people, they appear as men, because people cannot see them in their natural state, as stated in verses 6: 8-9.

وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ وَلَوْ أَنزَلْنَا مَلَكًا لَّقُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ ثُمَّ لَا يُنظَرُونَ ﴿٨﴾ وَلَوْ جَعَلْنَاهُ مَلَكًا لَّجَعَلْنَاهُ رَجُلًا وَلَلَبَسْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّا يَلْبِسُونَ ﴿٩﴾ (الأنعام ، 6: 8-9).

And they say, "Why has not an angel sent down to him?" But if We had sent down an angel, the matter would have been decided; then they would not be reprieved. (8)

And if We had made him an angel, We would have made him (appear as) a man, and We would have contributed to the confusion they bring on themselves (if they see an angel in his natural state) (9) (Al-An'am, 6: 8-9).

Angels were known to humans as extremely good-looking, as we know from how the Egyptian women described Yousuf (Joseph), peace to him. They mentioned that Yousuf must be an angel, not a human man, as stated in verse 12:31.

فَلَمَّا رَأَيْنَهُ أَكْبَرْنَهُ وَقَطَّعْنَ أَيْدِيَهُنَّ وَقُلْنَ حَاشَ لِلَّـهِ مَا هَـٰذَا بَشَرًا إِنْ هَـٰذَا إِلَّا مَلَكٌ كَرِيمٌ (يوسف ، 12: 31).

And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands and said, "Perfect is Allah! This is not a human; this is none but a noble angel" (Yousuf, 12: 31).

Angels are created of light. So, humans cannot see them in their natural state or they may be too light to walk on earth, like the heavy earthen humans, who are created from the earthen elements, as we read in verse 17:95.

قُل لَّوْ كَانَ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَلَائِكَةٌ يَمْشُونَ مُطْمَئِنِّينَ لَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ مَلَكًا رَّسُولًا (الإسراء ، 17: 95).

Say, "If there were upon the earth angels walking calmly (securely), We would have sent down to them from the heaven an angel messenger" (Al-Issra, 17: 95).

Angels are not females, or the daughters of God, as the disbelievers described them (maybe because they are good-looking), as we read in verses 17: 40 and 37: 150-153.

أَفَأَصْفَاكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِالْبَنِينَ وَاتَّخَذَ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنَاثًا ۚ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَقُولُونَ قَوْلًا عَظِيمًا (الإسراء ، 17: 40).

Has your Lord chosen you for (having) sons and taken from among the angels daughters? Indeed, you say a grave saying (Al-Issra, 17: 40).

أَمْ خَلَقْنَا الْمَلَائِكَةَ إِنَاثًا وَهُمْ شَاهِدُونَ ﴿١٥٠﴾ أَلَا إِنَّهُم مِّنْ إِفْكِهِمْ لَيَقُولُونَ ﴿١٥١﴾ وَلَدَ اللَّـهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَاذِبُونَ ﴿١٥٢﴾ أَصْطَفَى الْبَنَاتِ عَلَى الْبَنِينَ ﴿١٥٣﴾ (الصافات ، 37: 150-153).

Or did We create the angels as females while they were witnesses?" (150) Unquestionably, it is out of their falsehood that they say: (151)" Allah has begotten," and indeed, they are liars. (152) Has He chosen daughters over sons? (153) (Al-Saffat, 37: 150-153).

The angels are male worshippers of their Lord, the Beneficent, as stated in we read in verse 43: 19.

وَجَعَلُوا الْمَلَائِكَةَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ عِبَادُ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ إِنَاثًا ۚ أَشَهِدُوا خَلْقَهُمْ ۚ سَتُكْتَبُ شَهَادَتُهُمْ وَيُسْأَلُونَ ﴿الزخرف ، 43: 19﴾.

And they have made the angels, who are (male) worshippers of the Beneficent, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned (about it) (Al-Zukhruf, 43: 19).

There are several categories of angels. Some of them have two wings. Others have three or four wings, as we read in verse 35: 1.

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّـهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۚ يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ﴿فاطر ، 35: 1﴾.

Praise is to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the Earth, (who) made the angels messengers having two, three, or four wings. He increases in the creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah is capable of (doing) everything (Fatir, 35: 1).

4. Worshippers of Allah, Who Pray for Believers

Angels are honored worshippers of Allah, who obey Him and carry out His commands to them. He knows everything about them and if anyone of them says he is a god, he will be punished in the Hellfire, as we read in verses 21: 26-29.

وَقَالُوا اتَّخَذَ الرَّحْمَـٰنُ وَلَدًا ۗ سُبْحَانَهُ ۚ بَلْ عِبَادٌ مُّكْرَمُونَ ﴿٢٦﴾

لَا يَسْبِقُونَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ وَهُم بِأَمْرِهِ يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٢٧﴾

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يَشْفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ارْتَضَىٰ وَهُم مِّنْ خَشْيَتِهِ مُشْفِقُونَ ﴿٢٨﴾

وَمَن يَقُلْ مِنْهُمْ إِنِّي إِلَـٰهٌ مِّن دُونِهِ فَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِيهِ جَهَنَّمَ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٢٩﴾ (الأنبياء ، 21: 26-29).

And they say, "The Beneficent (Allah) has taken a son." Exalted is He! Rather, they are honored worshippers. (26)

They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command. (27)

He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves. And they, from fear of Him, are apprehensive. (28)

And whoever of them says, "Indeed, I am a god instead of Him"- that one We would recompense with Hell. Thus do We recompense the wrongdoers. (29) (Al-Anbiya, 21: 26-29).

Angels, including those who are close to Allah, are all His worshippers, who exalt Him, pray for the Prophet, pbbuh, and the believers. They also ask Allah to forgive the Earth inhabitants, as we read in verses 4: 172, 39: 75, 33: 41-43, 33: 56, and 42: 5.

لَّن يَسْتَنكِفَ الْمَسِيحُ أَن يَكُونَ عَبْدًا لِّلَّـهِ وَلَا الْمَلَائِكَةُ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ ۚ وَمَن يَسْتَنكِفْ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِ وَيَسْتَكْبِرْ فَسَيَحْشُرُهُمْ إِلَيْهِ جَمِيعًا (النساء ، 4: 172).

Never would the Messiah disdain to be a worshipper of Allah, nor would the angels near (to Him). And whoever disdains His worship and is arrogant - He will gather them to Himself all together (Al-Nissa, 4: 172).

وَتَرَى الْمَلَائِكَةَ حَافِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ الْعَرْشِ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُم بِالْحَقِّ وَقِيلَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّـهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (الزمر ، 39: 75).

And you will see the angels surrounding the Throne, exalting their Lord with praise. And it will be judged between them in truth, and it will be said, "Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds." (75) (Al-Zumar, 39: 75).

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّـهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا ﴿٤١﴾ وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا ﴿٤٢﴾ هُوَ الَّذِي يُصَلِّي عَلَيْكُمْ وَمَلَائِكَتُهُ لِيُخْرِجَكُم مِّنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ ۚ وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًا ﴿٤٣﴾ (الأحزاب ، 33: 41-43).

O you who have believed, mention Allah as much (as you can) (41) And exalt Him morning and afternoon. (42) It is He who confers blessing upon you, (so do) His angels, that He may bring you out from (several levels or forms of) darkness into the light. And He is Merciful to the believers. (43) (Al-A’hzab, 33: 41-43).

إِنَّ اللَّـهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا (الأحزاب ، 33: 56).

Indeed, Allah and His angels confer blessing upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask (Allah to confer) blessing upon him and greet him much (Al-A’hzab, 33: 56).

تَكَادُ السَّمَاوَاتُ يَتَفَطَّرْنَ مِن فَوْقِهِنَّ ۚ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ أَلَا إِنَّ اللَّـهَ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ ﴿الشورى ، 42: 5﴾.

The heavens almost break from above them, and the angels exalt their Lord with praise and ask forgiveness for those on earth. Unquestionably, it is Allah who is the Forgiving, the Merciful (AL-Shoura, 42: 5).

5. Angels’ View of Humans

Allah, praise to Him, willed to make humans as His deputies (caliphs) on Earth, by giving them the mandate (amana), to govern this planet. The angels were surprised because of their knowledge about humans as corruptors and blood-shedders. However, the Creator, praise to Him, told them that He knows "that which they do not know." This means that He knows that there are good humans, who do not corrupt or shed blood.

Angels were also surprised because of their knowledge about the ignorance of humans. However, Allah, praise to Him, demonstrated to them that humans are intelligent and fast learners, when He brought Adam for a knowledge contest with them, in which Adam won. As a result of his winning, Allah, praise to Him, told the angels to acknowledge that by making prostration (sujood) to him. They all obeyed and prostrated to Adam, except Iblis (Satan), who refused and therefore he was banished from God's mercy and will be punished in the Hellfire, as we read in verses 2: 30-34 and as detailed in Chapter 6, "Adam's Contest With the Angels, and Getting Out of Paradise ."

وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوا أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ الدِّمَاءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٣٠﴾

وَعَلَّمَ آدَمَ الْأَسْمَاءَ كُلَّهَا ثُمَّ عَرَضَهُمْ عَلَى الْمَلَائِكَةِ فَقَالَ أَنبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاءِ هَـٰؤُلَاءِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ﴿٣١﴾

قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ ﴿٣٢﴾

قَالَ يَا آدَمُ أَنبِئْهُم بِأَسْمَائِهِمْ ۖ فَلَمَّا أَنبَأَهُم بِأَسْمَائِهِمْ قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ غَيْبَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَأَعْلَمُ مَا تُبْدُونَ وَمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْتُمُونَ ﴿٣٣﴾

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَاسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ ﴿٣٤﴾ (البقرة ، 2: 30-34).

And (mention, O Muhammad), when your Lord said to the angels: I am making a caliph (deputy or successive authority) on the Earth. They said: Are You making therein one who corrupts it and sheds blood, while we hymn Your praise and sanctify You? He said: Surely I know that which you do not know" (30)

And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful." (31)

They said, "Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except that which You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise." (32)

He said, "O Adam, inform them of their names." And when he had informed them of their names, (Allah) said, "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen in the heavens and the Earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed." (33)

And (mention) when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblis (Satan). He refused, was arrogant, and became of the disbelievers. (34) (Al-Baqara, 2: 30-34).

لَّـٰكِنِ اللَّـهُ يَشْهَدُ بِمَا أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكَ ۖ أَنزَلَهُ بِعِلْمِهِ ۖ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يَشْهَدُونَ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّـهِ شَهِيدًا (النساء ، 4: 166).

But Allah bears witness to that which He has revealed to you. He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels bear witness (of that as well). And sufficient is Allah as a Witness (Al-Nissa, 4: 166).

6. Messengers of Allah to Humans on Earth

Allah, praise to Him, sends angels as His messengers to Earth, to do tasks and communicate His messages to human messengers and prophets, as stated in verses 2:248, 3: 39, 3: 42, 15: 8, 16: 2, 32: 11, 22: 75, and 97: 4.

وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ آيَةَ مُلْكِهِ أَن يَأْتِيَكُمُ التَّابُوتُ فِيهِ سَكِينَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَبَقِيَّةٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ آلُ مُوسَىٰ وَآلُ هَارُونَ تَحْمِلُهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ (البقرة ، 2: 248).

And their prophet said to them, "Indeed, a sign of his kingship is that the Chest (Ark of the Covenant) will come to you, in which is assurance from your Lord, and a remnant of what the family of Moussa (Moses) and the family of Haroon (Aaron) had left, carried by the angels. Indeed, in that is a sign for you, if you are believers" (Al-Baqara, 2: 248).

فَنَادَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي الْمِحْرَابِ أَنَّ اللَّـهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَسَيِّدًا وَحَصُورًا وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (آل عمران ، 3: 39).

So the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, "Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of Ya'hya (John), confirming a word from Allah, and (who will be) honorable, abstaining (from women), and a prophet from among the righteous" (Al-‘Imran, 3: 39).

وَإِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ اصْطَفَاكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَاصْطَفَاكِ عَلَىٰ نِسَاءِ الْعَالَمِينَ (آل عمران ، 3: 42).

And (mention) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary), indeed, Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the worlds (Al-‘Imran, 3: 42).

مَا نُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَمَا كَانُوا إِذًا مُّنظَرِينَ ﴿الحجر ، 15: 8﴾.

We do not send down the angels except with truth; and the disbelievers would not then be reprieved (Al-‘Hijr, 15: 8).

يُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ بِالرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَىٰ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ أَنْ أَنذِرُوا أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاتَّقُونِ (النحل ، 16: 2).

He sends down the angels, with the inspiration of His command, upon whom He wills of His worshippers (telling them): "Warn that there is no (other) god except Me; so be righteous (to avoid M punishment)" (Al-Na'hl, 16: 2).

Say, "The angel of death, who has been tasked with you, will complete your records (by taking your souls). Then, you will be returned to your Lord" (Al-Sajda, 32: 11).

اللَّـهُ يَصْطَفِي مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا وَمِنَ النَّاسِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ سَمِيعٌ بَصِيرٌ (الحج ، 22: 75).

Allah chooses messengers from the angels and the people messengers. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing (Al-‘Haj, 22: 75).

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ (القدر ، 97: 4).

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord, for every matter (Al-Qadr, 97: 4).

7. Support for the Believers on Earth

Allah, praise to Him, also sends His angels to Earth, in support for the believers, as we read in verses 8, 9, 8: 12, 3: 124-125, and 41: 30-31.

إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ (الأنفال ، 8: 9).

When you asked for help from your Lord, He answered you, "Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, following one another." (Al-Anfal, 8: 9).

إِذْ يُوحِي رَبُّكَ إِلَى الْمَلَائِكَةِ أَنِّي مَعَكُمْ فَثَبِّتُوا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ۚ (الأنفال ، 8: 12).

Then, your Lord inspired to the angels, "I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed (Al-Anfal, 8: 12).

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُنزَلِينَ ﴿١٢٤﴾

بَلَىٰ ۚ إِن تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا وَيَأْتُوكُم مِّن فَوْرِهِمْ هَـٰذَا يُمْدِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِخَمْسَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُسَوِّمِينَ ﴿١٢٥﴾ (آل عمران ، 3: 124-125).

[Remember] when you said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?

Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah, (even as) the enemy come upon you (attacking) in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand distinguished angels (Al-‘Imran, 3: 124-125).

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّـهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ ﴿٣٠﴾

نَحْنُ أَوْلِيَاؤُكُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِي أَنفُسُكُمْ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ ﴿٣١﴾ (فصلت ، 41: 30-31).

Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allah" and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them,([saying): "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised. (30)

We (angels) are your patrons (allies) in this short life and in the (everlasting) latter one. And you will have therein whatever your souls may desire, and you will have therein whatever you request (or wish). (31) (Fussilat, 41: 30-31).

8. Greeting Believers at Death and in Paradise

At death, believers are greeted by angels, saying to them "peace be upon you" and giving them glad tidings of entering Paradise, in reward for their good deeds. In the Last Day, believers are also comforted by the angels, assuring them of their promised reward. In Paradise, believers are also greeted by angels who congratulate them for their great winning, as we read in verses 16: 32, 21: 103, 39: 73-74, and 13: 123-124.

الَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ طَيِّبِينَ ۙ يَقُولُونَ سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمُ ادْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ (النحل ، 16: 32).

The good (believers) whom the angels complete their records (take their souls at death), (the angels will say to them): "Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise for what you used to do." (Al-Na’hl, 16: 28-29).

لَا يَحْزُنُهُمُ الْفَزَعُ الْأَكْبَرُ وَتَتَلَقَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ هَـٰذَا يَوْمُكُمُ الَّذِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ (الأنبياء ، 21: 103).

They (the believers) will not be grieved by the greatest horror, and the angels will meet them,(saying to them): "This is your Day which you have been promised" (Al-Anbiya, 21: 103).

وَسِيقَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا ۖ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءُوهَا وَفُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَادْخُلُوهَا خَالِدِينَ ﴿٧٣﴾

وَقَالُوا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّـهِ الَّذِي صَدَقَنَا وَعْدَهُ وَأَوْرَثَنَا الْأَرْضَ نَتَبَوَّأُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ حَيْثُ نَشَاءُ ۖ فَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ ﴿٧٤﴾ (الزمر ، 39: 73-74).

And those who were righteous (in obedience to) their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups, until they reach it and its gates have been opened. Then, its keepers will say: "Peace be upon you; you have become pure. So, enter it to abide eternally therein" (73)

And they will say, "Praise to Allah, Who has fulfilled for us His promise and made us inherit the earth, (so) we may settle in Paradise wherever we will. And excellent is the reward of (good) doers" (74) (Al-Zumar, 39: 73-74).

جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنْ آبَائِهِمْ وَأَزْوَاجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمْ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يَدْخُلُونَ عَلَيْهِم مِّن كُلِّ بَابٍ ﴿٢٣﴾

سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُم بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ ﴿٢٤﴾ (الرعد ، 13: 23-24).

Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, (saying): (23)

"Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home" (24) (Al-Ra’d, 13: 23-24).

9. Rebuking Self-Oppressors, Beating Disbelievers at Death and in Hell

At death, angels rebuke, beat, and give bad news to disbelievers and self-oppressors (wrong-doers). "On the Last Day, angels also rebuke them, driving them in groups to the Hellfire, saying to them: "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire," as we read in verses 6: 93, 4: 97-99, 16: 28-29, 8: 50, 25: 22, and 39: 71-72.

وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذِ الظَّالِمُونَ فِي غَمَرَاتِ الْمَوْتِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ بَاسِطُو أَيْدِيهِمْ أَخْرِجُوا أَنفُسَكُمُ ۖ الْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ الْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّـهِ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ وَكُنتُمْ عَنْ آيَاتِهِ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ ﴿الأنعام ، 6: 93﴾.

And if you could see when the self-oppressors (wrongdoers) are (experiencing) the pangs of death while the angels are extending their hands (striking them and saying): "Discharge your souls! Today, you will be awarded the punishment of (extreme) humiliation for what you used to say against Allah, other than the truth, and for being arrogant toward His verses" (Al-An’am, 6: 93).

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَوَفَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ ظَالِمِي أَنفُسِهِمْ قَالُوا فِيمَ كُنتُمْ ۖ قَالُوا كُنَّا مُسْتَضْعَفِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ قَالُوا أَلَمْ تَكُنْ أَرْضُ اللَّـهِ وَاسِعَةً فَتُهَاجِرُوا فِيهَا ۚ فَأُولَـٰئِكَ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرًا ﴿٩٧﴾

إِلَّا الْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاءِ وَالْوِلْدَانِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ حِيلَةً وَلَا يَهْتَدُونَ سَبِيلًا ﴿٩٨﴾

فَأُولَـٰئِكَ عَسَى اللَّـهُ أَن يَعْفُوَ عَنْهُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ اللَّـهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا ﴿٩٩﴾ (النساء ، 4: 97-99).

Those whom the angels complete their records (and take their souls at death) while they are self-oppressors (wronging themselves) - (the angels) will say: "In what (condition) were you?" They will say, "We were weakened in the land." The angels will say, "Was not the Earth of Allah vast (enough) for you to immigrate therein?" For those, their refuge is Hell - and that is the worst destination. (97)

Except for the weakened among men, women, and children who cannot devise a plan nor they are guided to a way (for immigration) - (98)

Allah may pardon those, (as) Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving. (99) (Al-Nissa, 4: 97-99).

الَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ ظَالِمِي أَنفُسِهِمْ ۖ فَأَلْقَوُا السَّلَمَ مَا كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ مِن سُوءٍ ۚ بَلَىٰ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٢٨﴾

فَادْخُلُوا أَبْوَابَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۖ فَلَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى الْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ ﴿٢٩﴾ (النحل ، 16: 28-29).

Those whom the angels complete their records (and take their souls at death) while they are self-oppressors (wronging themselves), and (who) then offer submission, (saying): "We were not doing any bad (deeds)." But surely, Allah is Knowing of what you used to do. (28)

So enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and how wretched is the residence of the arrogant! (29) (Al-Na’hl, 16: 28-29).

وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ۙ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَارَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا عَذَابَ الْحَرِيقِ (الأنفال ، 8: 50).

And if you could but see when the angels complete the records (and take the souls) of those who disbelieved, they strike their faces and their backs, and (saying): "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire" (Al-Anfal, 8: 50).

يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَ الْمَلَائِكَةَ لَا بُشْرَىٰ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُجْرِمِينَ وَيَقُولُونَ حِجْرًا مَّحْجُورًا (الفرقان ، 25: 22).

The day the criminals see the angels (at death), there will be no good tidings for them, and (the angels will say to them): (You are) "prevented and have no access" (to God's mercy). (Al-Furqan, 25: 22).

وَسِيقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ زُمَرًا ۖ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءُوهَا فُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُونَ عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِ رَبِّكُمْ وَيُنذِرُونَكُمْ لِقَاءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَـٰذَا ۚ قَالُوا بَلَىٰ وَلَـٰكِنْ حَقَّتْ كَلِمَةُ الْعَذَابِ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ ﴿٧١﴾ قِيلَ ادْخُلُوا أَبْوَابَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۖ فَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى الْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ ﴿٧٢﴾ (الزمر ، 39: 71-72).

And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, until they reach it. Then, its gates are opened, and its keepers will say (to them), "Did there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say, "Yes," but the word of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers. (71)

(To them) it will be said: "Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant." (72) (Al-Zumar, 39: 71-72).

10. On the Last Day

During the Last Day, the angels and Jibril, peace be to him, ascend to their Lord. They will also be spread at the edges of split heavens. Eight of them will be carrying God's Throne. Then, they and Jibril will stand in rows before their Lord, silent, unless they are given permission, and they will only say what is correct, as we read in verses 4: 70, 25: 25-26, 69: 16-17, 89: 21-22, and 78: 38.

تَعْرُجُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ إِلَيْهِ فِي يَوْمٍ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُ خَمْسِينَ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ ﴿المعارج ، 70: 4﴾.

The angels and the Spirit (Jibril) will ascend to Him during a Day (The Last Day), the measure of which is fifty thousand years (Al-Ma’arij, 70: 4).

وَيَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ السَّمَاءُ بِالْغَمَامِ وَنُزِّلَ الْمَلَائِكَةُ تَنزِيلًا ﴿٢٥﴾ الْمُلْكُ يَوْمَئِذٍ الْحَقُّ لِلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ۚ وَكَانَ يَوْمًا عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ عَسِيرًا ﴿٢٦﴾ (الفرقان ، 25: 25-26).

And (mention) the Day when the heaven will split open with clouds, and the angels will be sent down in successive descent. (25)

True sovereignty, that Day, is for the Beneficent. And it will be upon the disbelievers a difficult Day. (26) (Al-Furqan, 25: 25-26).

وَانشَقَّتِ السَّمَاءُ فَهِيَ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَاهِيَةٌ ﴿١٦﴾ وَالْمَلَكُ عَلَىٰ أَرْجَائِهَا ۚ وَيَحْمِلُ عَرْشَ رَبِّكَ فَوْقَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ ثَمَانِيَةٌ ﴿١٧﴾ (الحاقة ، 69: 16-17).

And the heaven will split (open), for in that Day, it is infirm. (16) And the angels are at its edges. And above them, on that Day, there will eight (of the angels) carrying the Throne of your Lord (17) (Al-'Haqqa, 69: 16-17).

كَلَّا إِذَا دُكَّتِ الْأَرْضُ دَكًّا دَكًّا ﴿٢١﴾ وَجَاءَ رَبُّكَ وَالْمَلَكُ صَفًّا صَفًّا ﴿٢٢﴾ (الفجر ، 89: 21-22).

No! When the Earth has been pounded and pounded (21) And your Lord has come and the angels (standing before Him), row after row (22) (Al-Fajr, 89: 21-22).

يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الرُّوحُ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ صَفًّا ۖ لَّا يَتَكَلَّمُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ الرَّحْمَـٰنُ وَقَالَ صَوَابًا (النبأ ، 78: 38).

The Day that the Spirit (Jibril) and the angels will stand in rows, they will not speak except for one whom the Beneficent permits, and he will say what is correct (Al-Naba, 78: 38).

Conclusion

The belief in the existence of angels is part of the belief in God, as they are His honored worshippers, who are sent to perform various tasks on Earth, such as carrying His messages to humans, supporting believers, and taking people's souls when their records are completed. Angels are created of light. So, humans cannot see them in their natural state. That is why they appear to people as men.

Angels also perform tasks related to the Last Day, including sorting out people, getting them ready for God's Judgment, then leading them either to Paradise or to the Hellfire. In Paradise, they will be welcoming believers and greeting them in their everlasting destination.

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Notes:

[1] For more information, see Chapter 2, “Three levels of faith: Islam, Iman, and I’hsan.”

[2] See the Quran search function at www.tanzil.net.

See also the Holy Quran Index in Arabic by Muhammed Fuad Abdul Baqi. Cairo: Dar Al-Fikr. 1406 (1986). The Arabic Title of the index is: “Al-Mu’jam Al-Mufahras Li Alfadh Al-Quran Al-Kareem,” pages 674-676.

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About the Author and the Book:

* The author of this book has a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. He was born in Gaza, Palestine in 1369 Hijriya (1950) but he has been living in the United States since 1986.

The authentic Quran Arabic text is used as a reference for the translation of the meanings of the Quran verses, particularly from www.tanzil.net.

The works of the three renowned Islamic scholars Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, and Ibn Katheer, have been used throughout the chapters of this book, as these are the most credited interpretations of the Holy Quran, for their use of 'Hadith, companions' interpretations, and their thorough knowledge of the Arabic language.

يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّـهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَاللَّـهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ (الصف ، 61: 8).

They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it (Al-Saff, 61: 8).