Angels

Book 4

Messengers of Allah to His Human Caliphs,

on the Earth

By Hasan Ali El-Najjar

1447 / 2026

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Chapter 3:

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Angels:

The Honorable Worshippers of Allah,

in the Holy Quran

Rabi' Al-Awwal 1435 - January 2014

Updated on 17th Day of Shawwal, 1447 / April 5, 2026

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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

والصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ ،

خَاتَمِ الأنْبِيَاءِ وَإمَامِ الْمُرْسَلِينَ

I seek refuge with God from the Stoned (cursed) Shaytan

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Peace and blessings be upon our Master, Mu’hammed,

the Seal of Prophets and Imam of the Messengers

Introduction

In a well-known ‘Hadeeth, the Messenger of Allah, Mu’hammed, peace and blessings be upon him (pbbuh), explained the differences between three levels of faith, or religiosity. These are addressed in the second chapter (Three levels of faith: Islam, Iman, and I’hsan) of the first book about Islam by this author (Islam: A Scientific View of God’s Message to Humanity).

The first level of faith, Islam, has been addressed in some detail, in the second book by this author (The Five Pillars of Islam: A Scientific View of the Two Proclamations of Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage).

The second level of faith, Iman, is the central topic of this author’s third, fourth, and fifth books, as mentioned in his list of books about Islam, presented at the beginning of this book. Basically, Iman is the belief in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day (Al-Baqara, 2: 285; Al-Nisa, 4: 136). The Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, added that Iman would also include the belief in God’s Precise Measurement and His Just Decrees (Al-Qadar Wal Qadha), which is the topic of the fifth book.

Thus, this third chapter of the book is about the belief in the angels, as the honored worshippers of Allah and His messengers to His creations, including humans, on the Earth. It is divided into ten sections, starting with the verses which refer to the requirement of believing in their existence, their nature and categories, their care about believers, supporting them during this lower life and greeting them at their death. They rebuke the self-oppressors and beat the disbelievers when they die. On the Last Day, they perform the many tasks they will be prepared for.

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I. Belief in the Existence of the Angels

After the belief in the existence of Allah, a believer has to believe in the existence of His angels, as mentioned in verse 285 of Soorat Al-Baqara (Chapter 2) of the Holy Quran. Whoever does not do so is described by verse 136 of Soorat Al-Nisa (Chapter 4) of the Holy Quran as a disbeliever, who has gone far astray.

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 (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 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 (النِّسَاءُ ، 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).

The Arabic word (مَلَكٌ), /malak/, angel, as a singular masculine noun, was mentioned in the Holy Quran thirteen times, as in verse 6: 8. It was also mentioned as a dual masculine noun (مَلَكَيْن), /malakayn/, two angels, twice, as in verse 2: 102. Moreover, it was mentioned as a plural masculine noun (مَلائِكَةٌ), /mala-ika/ ), angels, seventy-three times, as in verse 2: 30. [1]

وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ ۖ وَلَوْ أَنزَلْنَا مَلَكًا لَّقُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ ثُمَّ لَا يُنظَرُونَ (الأنْعَامُ ، 6: 8).

... وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَى الْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَارُوتَ وَمَارُوتَ ... (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 102).

وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً ... (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 30).

And they say: "Why was there not sent down to him an angel?" But if We had sent down an angel, the matter would have been decided. Then, they would not be reprieved (Al-An’am, 6: 8).

… and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harout and Marout … (Al-Baqara, 2: 102).

And (mention, O Mu’hammed), And when your Lord said to the angels: “I am making a caliph on the Earth” (Al-Baqara, 2: 30).

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II. Angels Who Are Mentioned in the Holy Quran

The Holy Quran tells us information five angels, who are mentioned by name and thirty-five others, who are referred to by the functions they perform, not by name. This includes references to six categories of angels, mentioned in three pairs, based on the tasks they also perform, as follows:

1. The Angels Who Are Mentioned to by Name

The angels, who are mentioned by name in the Holy Quran, include Jibreel (Gabriel), the most senior angel, who is the medium of communication between Allah and His human creations, Mikal (Michael), who is in charge of sustenance), Maalik, who is in charge of the Hellfire, as well as Haroot, and Maroot, who descended into Babylon and taught people magic, as stated in verses 2: 98, 43: 77, and 2: 102.

مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِّلَّـهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَجِبْرِيلَ وَمِيكَالَ فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَدُوٌّ لِّلْكَافِرِينَ (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 98).

وَنَادَوْا يَا مَالِكُ لِيَقْضِ عَلَيْنَا رَبُّكَ قَالَ إِنَّكُم مَّاكِثُونَ (الزُّخْرُفُ ، 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 (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 102).

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).

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

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

2. The Angel of Death and the Blower of the Trumpet

Two more angels are mentioned in the Holy Quran for their two great tasks but without mentioning their names. These are the Angel of Death and the Blower of the Trumpet, as referred to in verses 32: 11 and 39: 68.

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

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

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).

While the name of the Angel of Death is neither mentioned in the Holy Quran nor in the Sa’hee’h (Correct) ‘Hadeeth, the name of the Blower of the Trumpet is mentioned as Israefeel, in some authenticated Hadeeths, as follows.

عن عائشةَ أمِّ المؤمنينَ ، رضي اللهُ عنها ، أنَّ رسولَ اللهِ ، صلى اللهُ عليهِ وسَلَّمَ ، كانَ يقولُ في دعائهِ: "اللهمَّ ربَّ جبريلَ وميكائيلَ وربَّ إسرافيلَ ، أعوذُ بك من حرِّ النارِ ، و من عذابِ القبرِ."

The Mother of the Believers, ‘Aisha, mAbpwh, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, used to say in his supplication: “O Allah! The Lord of Jibreel (Gabriel), Mika-eel (Michael), and Israfeel, I seek refuge with You, away from the heat of the Fire, and from the torment of the grave.” [2]

3. The Angels in Charge of Paradise and the Hellfire

The Holy Quran referred to a category of angels as Keepers (Khazana) of Paradise and the Hellfire, as mentioned in verses 39: 73 and 39: 71, as follows:

وَسِيقَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا ۖ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءُوهَا وَفُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَادْخُلُوهَا خَالِدِينَ (الزُّمَرُ ، 39: 73).

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 هَٰذَا ۚ قَالُوا بَلَىٰ وَلَٰكِنْ حَقَّتْ كَلِمَةُ الْعَذَابِ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ (الزُّمَرُ ، 39: 71).

And those who had been mindful of their Lord (believers) will be driven to Paradise in groups, until when they reach it and its gates have been opened (for them), and its keepers will say: "Peace be upon you, you have become pure. So, enter it to abide eternally therein" (Al-Zumar, 39: 73).

And those who had disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, until when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say: "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 (Al-Zumar, 39: 71).

This category of angels was also mentioned in the ‘Hadeeth narrated by Companion Anas Bin Maalik, mAbpwt both, as follows:

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 قَبْلَك."

Companion Anas Bin Maalik, mAbpwt both, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "On the Day of Rising (Resurrection), I come to the gate of Paradise, asking for it to open. The

Keeper (Al-Khazin) says: Who are you? I say: Mu’hammed. He says: I have been commanded not to open (the gate) to anyone before you." [3]

4. Carriers of the Throne

The Holy Quran, further, tells us about eight angels, who will be carrying the Throne, on the Last Day, when the heaven splits (opens), as stated in verses 69: 16-17.

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

And the heaven will split (open), becoming weak on that Day (16). And the angels are at its edges. And above them, there will be eight (other angels), carrying the Throne of your Lord (17) (Al-'Haaqqa, 69: 16-17).

5. Al-Zabaniya (the 19 Angels in Charge of Hell)

Al-Zabaniya are the nineteen Angels who are in charge of Hell. They are described in the Holy Quran as harsh, severe, and do not disobey what they are commanded to do, as stated in verses 96: 17-18, 74: 27-30, and 66: 17-18.

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

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

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَائِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ اللَّهَ مَا أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ (التَّحْرِيمُ ، 66: 6).

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

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

O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire, whose fuel is people and stones, over which are angels (who are) harsh and severe. They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded (Al-Ta’hreem, 66: 6).

6. Six Categories, Which Include Three Pairs of Angels

Moreover, there are six categories, which include three pairs of angels, who are mentioned in the Holy Quran, as tasked with specific functions towards human beings, in this lower life and in the hereafter.

The first pair is described as mutalaqiyan, the two recipients, who are in charge of recording what they do and say, in this lower 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﴾ (قَ ، 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 with questioning humans directly after death, asking about their major beliefs, particularly about their Lord, religion, and the messenger they followed, as we learn from the following Sa’hee’h 'Hadeeth:

عَنْ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبٍ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهُ ، عن النبيِّ ، صلَّى الله عليه وسلَّمَ ، أنَّهُ قالَ عن سؤالِ المتوفي:

"ويَأْتِيِه مَلَكانِ فيُجلِسانِهِ ، فيقولانِ له: مَنْ ربُّك؟ فيقولُ: ربِّي اللهُ. فيقولانِ له: ما دِينُك؟ فيقولُ: دِينِيَ الإسلامُ. فيقولانِ لهُ: ما هذا الرجلُ الذي بُعِثَ فِيكم؟ فيقولُ: هُوَ رسولُ اللهِ. فيقولانِ لهُ: وما يُدْرِيكَ؟ فيقولُ: قرأتُ كِتابَ اللهِ ، آمنْتُ وصدَّقْتُ."

Companion Al-Bara' Bin 'Aazib, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, pbbuh, said:

“(When a believer dies), two angels come to question him/her, (asking): Who is your Lord (God)? He/she says: Allah is my Lord. (Then), they say to him/her: What's your religion? He/she says: My religion is Islam. (Then), they say to him/her: Who was that man, who was sent to you? He/she says: He is the Messenger of Allah. (Then), they say to him/her: How do you know (that he is)? (Then), He/she says: I have read the Book of Allah, I believed (it) and accepted (it) as true.” [4]

The Holy Quran tells us that the angels, who are in charge of death, descend on the dying believers, comforting them and giving them glad tiding of Paradise, which was promised to them, as we learn from verse 41: 30. However, the angels rebuke those who have oppressed themselves, and beat the faces and backs of disbelievers, warning them of the Hell torment, in the hereafter, as mentioned in verses 4: 97 and 8: 50-51.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ ‎(فُصِّلَتْ ، 41: 30).

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 (النِّسَاءُ ، 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﴾ (الأنْفَالُ ، 8: 50-51).

Indeed, those who have said: "Our Lord is Allah." Then, they 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 (Fussilat, 41: 30).

Indeed, those whom the angels take (ending their records at 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 destination is Hell and that is a bad fate (Al-Nisa, 4: 97).

And if you could but see when the angels take those who disbelieved (by ending their records at death). They are striking their faces and their backs and (saying): "Taste the torment of the Burning (Fire). (50) That is for what your hands have put forth (of evil) and (because) Allah is not unjust to the slaves (of their own evil desires and deeds)." (51) (Al-Anfal, 8: 50-51).

The third pair of angels is tasked with specific functions related to human beings in the hereafter. Every human self will have a driver, who leads it to its destination, either to Paradise or to Hell. Every human self will also have a witness, who testifies of its deeds in this life and to witness that it is going to the destination it deserves. When believers enter Paradise, the angels in charge will greet them with peace and give them glad tiding that they will abide therein forever, as mentioned in verses 50: 20-21 and 39: 73.

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

And the Trumpet 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).

But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups, until when they reach it, while its gates have been opened, and its keepers will say to them: "Peace be upon you; you have become pure. So, enter it to abide eternally therein," (Al-Zumar, 39: 73).

Concerning disbelievers, the angels in charge of Hell will rebuke them for their evil deeds they commit in this lower life and will tell them of the everlasting torment waiting for them in Hell, as mentioned in verse 39: 71-72.

And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, until when they reach it, its gates are opened, and its keepers will say: "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 torment has come into effect upon the disbelievers. (71) It will be said (th them): "Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant." (72) (Al-Zumar, 39: 72).

***

III. Their Nature

Allah, praise to Him, has created angels with qualities which suit the functions He has willed for them to perform, including those related to His other creations. As such, they have been His messengers to guide the children of Adam, on this Earth. In order for them to be able to travel in astronomical distances, between the heavens and the Earth, they were created of light, as subtle-spiritual creatures. Therefore, they are invisible to us, humans. However, they are capable of showing themselves in the form of Earthen creatures, including humans. Thus, they do not need to eat what we eat. Moreover, their subtle and light nature does not enable them to walk on the earth calmly, as the Earthen creatures do. Finally, angel messengers to humans are males, not females, though they used to appear in the most beautiful images human males can appear in, as we learn from the Holy Quran and the ‘Hadeeth, as follows:

1. Created of Light

As the messengers of their Lord to His creations, including humans on the Earth, and to be able to travel the astronomical distances between the heavens and the Earth, angels were created of light, as we learn from the ‘Hadeeth.

عَنْ أمِّ المؤمنينَ ، عائشةَ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنها ، أنها قالتْ ، قالَ رسولُ اللهِ ، صلَّى اللهُ عليهِ وَسَلَّمَ: "خُلِقَتْ الملائكةُ مِنْ نورٍ ، وَخُلِقَ الجانُّ مِنْ مارجٍ مِنْ نارٍ ، وَخُلِقَ آدمُ مِمَّا وُصِفَ لَكُم."

The Mother of the Believers, ‘Aisha, mAbpwh, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “The angels were created of light, the Jinn were created of a fire flame, and Adam was created of what was described to you (of clay). [5]

2. Invisible Creatures

Angels are invisible to humans, as mentioned in verse 9: 26, which describes them as soldiers of Allah, praise to Him, who descended with His command to support Muslims and give them glad tidings of victory, on the Day of ‘Hunayn. They were also described as soldiers of Allah, who descended during the confrontational event of Al-A’hzab, as mentioned in verse 9: 33, when they frightened the disbelievers by takbeer (chanting Allahu Akbar: God is Greater), by taking the pegs of their tents out, and by extinguishing their fire.

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

فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا وَجُنُودًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا (الأحْزَابُ ، 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 soldiers (angels) you did not see (Al-A'hzab, 33: 9).

3. Capable of Impersonating Humans, But they Can’t Walk Calmly, and Do Not Eat Food

To be able to communicate with humans, angels are capable of showing themselves in the form of Earthen creatures, including humans, as we learn from verses 6: 8-9 and verse 11: 69, which describes them as such when they came to Ibraheem (Abraham) and his wife, peace be upon them. As they are created of light, they may not be able to walk on the earth calmly, as mentioned by verse 17: 95, compared to humans, who do so, as they are created of the earth clay. In addition, due to their non-material nature, they do not need to eat food, as humans do, as mentioned in verse 11: 70.

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

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

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﴾ (هُودُ ، 11: 69-71).

And they said: "Why was 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 covered them with that in which they cover themselves. (9) (Al-An’am, 6: 8-9).

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

And, certainly, did Our messengers (angels) come to Ibraheem (Abraham) with glad 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: "Do not fear (from us). We have been sent to the people of Loot (Lot)." (70) (Hood, 11: 69-70).

4. Angels Are Male Messengers, Not Females, But they May Appear in the Most Beautiful Images Human Males May Appear in

Angels are male messengers, as we are told by verse 6: 9, mentioned directly above, which describes each of them with the singular masculine form. Verse 43: 19 refers to them with the plural masculine form. In addition, verses 17: 40 and 37: 150-153 confirm that angel messengers are not females, and they are not daughters of God, as the disbelievers falsely claimed.

Their false claim might have been based on what was commonly known among people that the angels appear as extremely good-looking, or beautiful creatures, as we learn from verse 12: 31, which describes Yousuf (Joseph), peace be upon him, as an angel, in reference to his beauty. In addition, we learn from the ‘Hadeeth that Jibreel, peace be upon him, used to appear to the Messenger of Allah, Mu’hammed, pbbuh, in the image of the honorable Companion Di’hya Al-Kalbi, mAbpwh, who was known as the most good-looking and beautiful man in Al-Madina (the City). [6]

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

أَفَأَصْفَاكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِالْبَنِينَ وَاتَّخَذَ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنَاثًا إِنَّكُمْ لَتَقُولُونَ قَوْلًا عَظِيمًا (الإسْرَاءُ ، 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﴾ (الصَّافَّاتُ ، 37: 150-153).

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

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

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

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).

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 an honorable angel" (Yousuf, 12: 31).

5. Created with Two, Three, or Four Wings, and More

Allah, praise to Him, has created various kinds of angels, which differ from each other by the number of wings. Some of them have two wings, others are with three or four wings, or more than that. So, the Creator, praise to Him, “increases in the creation what He wills,” as we learn from 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, Originator 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).

The meaning of the part of verse 35: 1, “He increases in the creation what He wills,” is that Allah, praise to Him, is capable of the creation of angels with more wings than four. An example is that Jibreel, peace be upon him, has 600 wings, as mentioned in a ‘Hadeeth, in which it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, saw him twice in his real form, with 600 wings. The first time was in Makkah, as we learn from verses 81: 23 and 53: 5-7. The second time was above the Seventh Heaven, near the Lote Tree of the Furthest Boundary (Sidratul Muntaha), on the Night Journey and Ascent to Heaven (Al-Isra wal Mi’raj), as mentioned by verse 53: 13-14. [7]

وَلَقَدْ رَآهُ بِالْأُفُقِ الْمُبِينِ (التَّكْوِيرُ ، 81: 23).

عَلَّمَهُ شَدِيدُ الْقُوَىٰ ‎﴿٥﴾‏ ذُو مِرَّةٍ فَاسْتَوَىٰ ‎﴿٦﴾‏ وَهُوَ بِالْأُفُقِ الْأَعْلَىٰ ‎﴿٧﴾ (النَّجْمُ ، 53: 5-7).

وَلَقَدْ رَآهُ نَزْلَةً أُخْرَىٰ ‎﴿١٣﴾‏ عِندَ سِدْرَةِ الْمُنتَهَىٰ ‎﴿١٤﴾‏ (النَّجْمُ ، 53: 13-14).

And he saw him (Jibreel) in the clear horizon (Al-Takweer, 81: 23).

Taught to him by the one (who is) intense in strength - (5) One of soundness (who) rose to (his true form) (6) While he was in the higher horizon. (7) (Al-Najm, 53: 5-7).

And he certainly saw him in another descent (13) At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary - (14) (Al-Najm, 53: 13-14).

6. Spiritual Beings

The angels are spiritual beings, which represent the commands of Allah, praise to him. He sends them to whoever He wills, wherever He wills, for whatever purpose He wills, in His vast, great Dominion, as He told us in His Holy Book.

The Spirit (rou'h, رُوح) is a characteristic of God, from which He blew in the first cell, giving life to all living beings. Part of God's Spirit has also been blown in humans, in particular, enabling their souls to include the morality scale (the self, nafs, نَفْس), in addition to the capabilities of existence (life) and the acquisition of knowledge (the mind), which humans share in different degrees with other living beings.

The word "Spirit” (roo'h, رُوح), is mentioned 21 times, in 20 verses of the Holy Quran. It refers to a characteristic of God and His commands, which are carried by the Senior Angel, Jibril (Gabriel), and other angels, to implement God’s will on humans. However, the only knowledge we have about God’s Spirit is what He told us, and that is little, as stated in verse 17: 85.

وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الرُّوحِ ۖ قُلِ الرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّي وَمَا أُوتِيتُم مِّنَ الْعِلْمِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا (الإسْرَاءُ ، 17: 85).

And they ask you, )O Mu’hammed), about the Spirit. Say, "The Spirit is of the affair of my Lord. And you (humans) have not been given of knowledge except a little" (Al-Isra, 17: 85).

The Holy Quran refers to Jibreel, peace be upon him, in particular, as the Spirit (Al-Naba’, 78: 38), the Trusted Spirit (Al-Shu'ara, 26: 193), and the Spirit of the Holy (Al-Na'hl, 16: 102). In addition, the Spirit is a command of Allah, praise to Him, carried by angels, who descend with it to whom He wills, from among His worshippers, as mentioned in verses 16: 2, 40: 15, and 42: 52. ^{^[8]}

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

نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوحُ الْأَمِينُ (الشُّورَى ، 26: 193).

قُلْ نَزَّلَهُ رُوحُ الْقُدُسِ مِن رَّبِّكَ بِالْحَقِّ (النَّحْلُ ، 16: 102).

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

رَفِيعُ الدَّرَجَاتِ ذُو الْعَرْشِ يُلْقِي الرُّوحَ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَىٰ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ لِيُنذِرَ يَوْمَ التَّلَاقِ (غَافِرُ ، 40: 15).

وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِّنْ أَمْرِنَا (الشُّورَى ، 42: 52).

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

The Trusted Spirit (Jibreel) came down with it (Al-Shu'ara, 26: 193).

Say the Spirit of the Holy (Jibeel) has brought it (the revelation) down from your Lord in truth” (Al-Na'hl, 16: 102).

He sends down the angels, with the Spirit of His command, upon whom He wills of His worshippers, (telling them): "Warn that there is no (other) deity except Me; so be mindful of Me."(Al-Na’hl, 16: 2).

(Allah is) the Exalted above (all) ranks, Owner of the Throne. He throws the Spirit of His command upon whom He wills of His worshippers, to warn (people) of the Day of Meeting (Ghafir, 40: 15).

And thus, We have inspired to you a Spirit of Our command (Al-Shoora, 42: 52).

***

IV. Worshippers of Allah, Who Pray for the Prophet and the Believers

The Holy Quran describes the angels as the honorable worshippers of Allah, who obey Him and carry out His commands concerning His creations. He knows everything about them, but if anyone of them says that he is a god, his punishment will be Hell, the worst destination.

Angels do not disdain to worship their Creator, Allah, praise to Him. However, if anyone of them does that, he will face a severe punishment. To the contrary, they are constantly and tirelessly exalting their Lord with praise. In addition, angels keep praying for the Prophet Mu’hammed, pbbuh, and for the believers, greeting them with peace, and calling on Allah to forgive their sins, as detailed below.

1. Angels Are the Honorable Worshippers of Allah

The Holy Quran describes angels as the honorable worshippers of Allah, who obey Him and carry out His commands concerning His creations. He knows everything about them, and if anyone of them says he is a god, he will be punished in the Hellfire, the worst destination, as we are told by 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﴾ (الأنْبِيَاءُ ، 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).

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2. They Exalt their Lord with Praise, and Do Not Disdain His Worship

Angels, including those who are close to Allah, are all His worshippers, who exalt Him with praise (4: 172). However, if anyone of them does not do that, he will face a severe punishment (4: 173). To the contrary, they are constantly and tirelessly exalting their Lord with praise (42: 5).

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

فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ ۖ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ اسْتَنكَفُوا وَاسْتَكْبَرُوا فَيُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا وَلَا يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلَا نَصِيرًا (النِّسَاءُ ، 4: 173).

تَكَادُ السَّمَاوَاتُ يَتَفَطَّرْنَ مِن فَوْقِهِنَّ ۚ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ أَلَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ (الشُّورَى ، 42: 5).

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-Nisa, 4: 172).

And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty. But as for those who disdained and were arrogant, He will torment them with a painful torment, and they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or helper (Al-Nisa, 4: 173).

The heavens almost break from above them, and the angels exalt their Lord with praise and ask forgiveness for those on the Earth. Unquestionably, it is Allah who is the Forgiving, the Merciful (AL-Shoora, 42: 5). [9]

3. They pray for the Prophet, pbbuh, and the believers.

In addition, angels keep praying for the Prophet Mu’hammed, pbbuh (33: 56), and for the believers (33: 43), greeting them with peace, and calling on Allah to forgive their sins, as detailed below (42: 5), as follows:

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

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﴾ (الأحْزَابُ ، 33: 41-43).

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

Indeed, Allah and His angels pray (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).

O you who have believed, mention Allah as much (as you can) (41) And exalt Him morning and afternoon. (42) It is He who prays (confers blessing) upon you, (so do) His angels, to 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).

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V. Angels’ View of Humans

Allah, praise to Him, willed to make humans as rulers (caliphs) on the Earth, by giving them the mandate (amana), to govern this planet by His commands. The angels were surprised because of their knowledge about humans as corrupters 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, particularly in the early stages of their creation. Therefore, Allah, praise to Him, demonstrated to them that humans were intelligent and fast learners. He brought Adam for a knowledge contest with them, in which he won. He asked them about names of certain things. When they did not know the answers, He told Adam to give the answers, which he did successfully.

As a result, Allah, praise to Him, told the angels to acknowledge that winning by making a prostration (sujood) to Adam. They all obeyed and prostrated to him, except Iblees (Al-Shaytan, Satan), who refused to do so, out of arrogance, thus becoming a disbeliever, as we read in verses 2: 30-34. So, he deserved to be punished by being banished from heavens in this life, and by abiding there in the Hellfire in the hereafter, as mentioned in verses 7: 13, 15: 34-35, and 17: 65. [10]

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﴾ (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 30-34).

And (mention, O Mu’hammed), when your Lord said to the angels: “I am making a caliph (ruler 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, "Tell 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, tell them of their names." And when he had told them of their names, (Allah) said: "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen (unknown) 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" (acknowledging his success). So, they prostrated, except for Iblis (Al-Shaytan, Satan). He refused, was arrogant, and was of the disbelievers. (34) (Al-Baqara, 2: 30-34).

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VI. Messengers of Allah to Humans on the Earth

Allah, praise to Him, chooses messengers from the angels and from the people (Al-‘Haj, 22: 75). He sends the angels, as His messengers, to the Earth, to carry out His commands in it (Al-‘Hijr, 15: 8; 97: 4). They descend with the Spirit of His command upon whoever He wills of His worshippers (Al-Na’hl, 16: 2). An example is the descent of the Trusted Spirit (Jibreel), peace be upon him, with the Holy Quran upon the Messenger of Allah, Mu’hammed, pbbuh (Al-Shoora, 26: 192-194), which the angels testify that it is a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds (Al-Nisa, 4: 166).

Other examples include their descent on Prophet Zakariya (Zacharia), peace be upon him, to tell him that Allah, praise to Him, had answered his call of allowing him to have a child, Ya’hya (John), peace be upon him (Aal-‘Imran, 3: 39). They also descended on Maryam (Mary), peace be upon her, to tell her of the good news that Allah, praise to Him, had chosen her from among the women of the Worlds (Aal-‘Imran, 3: 42), to be the mother of the Messiah, ‘Eisa (Jesus), peace be upon him (Aal-‘Imran, 3: 45). In addition, the angels used to descend by commands of Allah, praise to Him, to inform His Prophets of prophecies, to strengthen the faith of the believers, such as the prophecy of the return of the Arch of the Covenant to the Children of Israel, carried by angels ( Al-Baqara, 2: 248), as follows:

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

وَإِنَّهُ لَتَنزِيلُ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ‎﴿١٩٢﴾‏ نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوحُ الْأَمِينُ ‎﴿١٩٣﴾‏ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ ‎﴿١٩٤﴾ (الشُّورَى ، 26: 192-194).

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

مَا نُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَمَا كَانُوا إِذًا مُّنظَرِينَ (الْحِجْرُ ، 15: 8).

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

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

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

إِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ اسْمُهُ الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَجِيهًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ (آلُ عِمْرَانَ ، 3: 45).

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 (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 248).

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

And indeed, it (the Holy Quran) is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds. (192) The Trustworthy Spirit (Jibreel) has descended down with it, (193) upon your heart, (O Mu’hammed), that you may be of the warners - (194) (Al-Shoora, 26: 192-194).

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-Nisa, 4: 166).

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

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

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 My punishment)" (Al-Na'hl, 16: 2).

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

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-i-‘Imran, 3: 42).

(And mention) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary), indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a Word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, ‘Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Mary, distinguished in this world and the Hereafter, and among those brought near (to Allah) (Al-i-‘Imran, 3: 452).

And their Prophet said to them: "Indeed, a sign of his kingship is that the Chest (the Ark of the Covenant) will come to you, in which is assurance from your Lord, and a remnant of what the family of Moosa (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).

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VII. Angels Descend to the Earth, to Support Believers and to Give them Good News of Paradise

Among the functions which Allah, praise to Him, tasks the angels with is descending to the Earth, in support for the believers against their enemies. Such was the case when the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, supplicated, asking his Lord for help, during the Battle of Badr (Al-Anfal, 8: 9). So, they descended to strengthen the resolve of the believers (Al-Anfal, 8: 12). Moreover, Allah, praise to Him, increases the number of angels, who are descending in support of the believers, if they remain patient in the battlefield (Al-i-‘Imran, 3: 124-125). Angels also descend at the moment of death, assuring believers not to fear or grieve, and giving them the good news of Paradise, as their destination, as their Lord promised them (Fussilat, 41: 30-31).

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

إِذْ يُوحِي رَبُّكَ إِلَى الْمَلَائِكَةِ أَنِّي مَعَكُمْ فَثَبِّتُوا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ۚ (الأنْفَالُ ، 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﴾ (آلُ عِمْرَانَ ، 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﴾ (فُصِّلَتْ ، 41: 30-31).

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).

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

(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? (Al-i-‘Imran, 3: 124).

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-i-‘Imran, 3: 125).

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 glad tidings of Paradise, which you were promised (Fussilat, 41: 30).

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

***

VIII. Greeting Believers with Peace, at Death and at Entering Paradise

At death, believers are greeted by angels, saying to them: "peace be upon you," and they are also given glad tidings of entering Paradise, in reward for their faith and good deeds (Al-Na’hl, 16: 32). On the Last Day, believers will be comforted by the angels, who assure them of their promised reward (Al-Anbiya, 21: 103). Moreover, angels will be driving believers in groups to Paradise. When they arrive therein, its keepers will be opening its doors for them, and greeting them, saying: “Peace be upon you,” and telling them to enter it and to abide eternally therein (Al-Zumar, 39: 73-74). Angels will also be greeting their righteous parents, spouses, and descendants, who will be reunited with them, saying: “Peace be upon you” (Al-Ra’d, 13: 23-24).

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

لَا يَحْزُنُهُمُ الْفَزَعُ الْأَكْبَرُ وَتَتَلَقَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ هَـٰذَا يَوْمُكُمُ الَّذِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ (الأنْبِيَاءُ ، 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﴾ (الزُّمَرُ ، 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﴾ (الرَّعْدُ ، 13: 23-24).

(Concerning) those (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).

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

And those who were righteous 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).

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, (Al-Ra’d, 13: 24).

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

***

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

At death, the angels rebuke, beat, and give bad news to disbelievers and self-oppressors (wrong-doers), of torment in the hereafter. This applies to those who falsely claim that they were prophets or messengers of Allah, such as Musaylama the Liar and his wife, Suja’h (Al-An’am, 6: 93). This also applied to some of the Muslims, who stayed in Makkah after the Prophet’s immigration to Madina, despite being capable of making the immigration. Some of them even joined the disbelievers against Muslims in the Battle of Badr and were killed therein (Al-Nisa, 4: 97-99). In addition, angels of death beat the disbelievers at their faces and their backs, for their insistence to disbelieve in Allah, praise to Him (Al-Anfal, 8: 50).

On the Last Day, the angels will rebuke the disbelievers who gave the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, a hard time. Out of arrogance, they wanted to see the angels descending on them, or even to see Allah, praise to Him, as two conditions for them to believe (Al-Furqan, 25: 21). Allah, praise to Him, replied to them that they will not see the angels until on the Last Day, when it will be too late for them to announce their belief in Allah and His Messenger (Al-Furqan, 25: 22).

It will also be too late for the self-oppressing disbelievers, who may announce their submission to Allah, at their death, saying that they did not do bad deeds, during their lower life. However, Allah, praise to Him, replies to them that He truly knew what they used to do. Then, the angels rebuke them, saying: “So, enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and how wretched is the residence of the arrogant” (Al-Na’hl, 16: 28-29).

Finally, on the Last Day, the angels will be driving the self-oppressing disbelievers to Hell, in groups. When they reach it, its angel-keepers will rebuke them, by reminding them that they did not follow the Messengers, whom Allah sent for their guidance, during their lower life. Then, they will give them the bad news that they will abide therein eternally, for their arrogance (Al-Zumar, 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 ﴿الأنْعَامُ ، 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﴾ (النِّسَاءُ ، 4: 97-99).

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

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ لِقَاءَنَا لَوْلَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَوْ نَرَىٰ رَبَّنَا ۗ لَقَدِ اسْتَكْبَرُوا فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ وَعَتَوْا عُتُوًّا كَبِيرًا (الْفُرْقَانُ ، 25: 21).

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

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﴾ (النَّحْلُ ، 16: 28-29).

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﴾ (الزُّمَرُ ، 39: 71-72).

And if you could see when the self-oppressors (wrongdoers) are (experiencing) the pangs of death while the and saying): "Discharge your souls! Today, you will be awarded angels are extending their hands (striking them the torment 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).

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 are they directed to a way (for immigration) - (98)

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

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).

And those who do not expect the meeting with Us (in the hereafter) say: "Why were not angels sent down to us, or (why) do we (not) see our Lord?" They have certainly become arrogant within themselves and (become) insolent with great insolence (Al-Furqan, 25: 21).

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).

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).

And those who (have) 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).

***

X. Other Activities for Angels, On the Last Day

During the Last Day, the angels and Jibreel, peace be upon him, ascend to their Lord in a day, which is estimated as fifty thousand years (Al-Ma’arij, 70: 4). This sheds some light on their nature, as they are made of light, which may enable them to travel in space, in light speed.

On that Day, the heaven will split open with clouds and the angels will be sent down to the Earh, in waves, to implement the commands of their Lord (Al-Furqan, 25: 25-26).

The angels will also be spread at the edges of the split heavens; and above them, eight other angels will be carrying God's Throne (Al-'Haaqqa, 69: 16-17).

Then, they and the Spirit (Jibreel) will stand in rows before their Lord, silently, unless they are given permission, and they will only say what is correct (Al-Naba, 78: 38).

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

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

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

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

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).

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).

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 be eight (of the angels) carrying the Throne of your Lord (17) (Al-'Haaqqa, 69: 16-17).

The Day that the Spirit (Jibreel) 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 a basic part of faith in general, as it comes next to the belief in Allah, praise to Him. They are His honored worshippers, who are sent to implement His commands in His vast Dominion, including the Earth. As such, they carry His messages to humans, support believers, and take people's souls at death. In addition, angels are created of light. So, humans cannot see them in their natural state. That is why they appear to people as men.

During the Last Day, the angels and Jibreel, peace be upon him, ascend to their Lord. They will also be spreading at the edges of the split heavens. Eight of them will be carrying God's Throne. They and Jibreel will stand in rows before their Lord, silently, unless they are given permission, and they will only say what is correct

Finally, angels perform tasks related to the Last Day, including sorting people out into categories, getting them ready for God's Judgment, and leading them either to Paradise or to the Hellfire, on the basis of their faith and deeds. While they rebuke those who have deserved to be in the Hellfire, they welcome those who have won to be in Paradise, congratulating them for enjoying an everlasting life therein, as promised by their Lord, praise to Him.

***

Notes of Elaboration and Authentication

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

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

"المعجم المفهرس لألفاظ القرآن الكريم" ، تأليف محمد فؤاد عبد الباقي ، نشرته دار الفكر ، في القاهرة ، عام 1406 هجرية \ 1986 للميلاد.

[2] In his interpretation of verse 11, of Soorat Al-Sajda (Chapter 32) of the Holy Quran, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said that the Angel of Death was called ‘Izra-eel in some writings. However, that was not true in any of the Sa’hee’h (Correct) ‘Hadeeths, narrated by the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh (Number 57).

The ‘Hadeeth narrated by the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aisha, mAbpwh, in which the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, mentioned the names of the angels Jibreel (Gabriel), Mika-eel (Michael), and Israfeel, was authenticated by Al-Albani as a ‘Hasan (Good) ‘Hadeeth, in Sa’hee’h Al-Jami’: 1305. It was also authenticated by Al-Nisa-i: 5519 and by A’hmed: 24369, in their Sa’hee’h books, with few differences.

There is another version of the ‘Hadeeth, as follows:

Companion Abu Salama Bin ‘Abdul Raا’man Bin ‘Awf, mAbpwt both, said that he asked the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aisha, mAbpwh, about what the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, used to say, at the start of his night )Qiyam( prayer. She said that when he used to stand for the night prayer, he would start it (by saying):

“O Allah! The Lord of Jibreel (Gabriel), Mika-eel (Michael), and Israfeel; You are the Originator of the Heavens and the Earth; You are the Knower of the Seen and the Unseen (the Known and the Unknown); You rule among Your worshippers concerning what they used to dispute about. Guide me to the truth about which they used to dispute, with your permission. You guide whomever you will to the straight path” (Authenticated as Sa’hee’h by Muslim: 770, and was narrated by Abu Dawood: 767, Al-Tirmidthi: 3420, Al-Nisa-I; 1625, and Ibn Maja: 1357, with few differences).

The Arabic text of the ‘Hadeeth is as follows:

عنْ أَبي سَلَمَةَ بنِ عبدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بنِ عَوْفٍ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهما ، أنهُ قالَ: سَأَلْتُ عَائِشَةَ أُمَّ المُؤْمِنِينَ: بأَيِّ شَيءٍ كانَ نَبِيُّ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلَّمَ يَفْتَتِحُ صَلَاتَهُ إذَا قَامَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ؟ قالَتْ: كانَ إذَا قَامَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ افْتَتَحَ صَلَاتَهُ: "اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ جِبْرَائِيلَ ، وَمِيكَائِيلَ ، وإسْرَافِيلَ ، فَاطِرَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ ، عَالِمَ الغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ ، أَنْتَ تَحْكُمُ بيْنَ عِبَادِكَ فِيما كَانُوا فيه يَخْتَلِفُونَ ، اهْدِنِي لِما اخْتُلِفَ فيه مِنَ الحَقِّ بإذْنِكَ ؛ إنَّكَ تَهْدِي مَن تَشَاءُ إلى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ" (صحيحُ مُسلم: 770 ، وأخرجهُ أبو داودَ: 767 ، والترمذيُّ: 3420 ، والنسائيُّ: 1625 ، وابنُ ماجَه: 1357 ، باختلافٍ يسيرٍ).

[3] The ‘Hadeeth narrated by Companion Anas Bin Maalik, mAbpwt both, in which the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, mentions the (angel) in charge (Al-Khazin) of Paradise, was authenticated as Sa’hee’h by Al-Albani, in Sa’hee’h Al-Jami’: 1 and by Muslim: 197.

It is noteworthy that while “Maalik” was mentioned in the Holy Quran as the Keeper of the Hell (Al-Zukhruf, 43: 77), he was neither mentioned by name in the Holy Quran, nor in the authenticated Sa’hee’h ‘Hadeeth.

[4] This ‘Hadeeth was authenticated as Sa’hee’h by Al-Albani, in Sa’hee’h El-Targheeb: 3558. It was also recorded with its sources by Abu Dawood: 4753 and A’hmed: 18534, part of a longer version.

[5] The ‘Hadeeth narrated by the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aisha, mAbpwh, about the creation of the angels of light, was authenticated as a Sa’hee’h ‘Hadeeth by Muslim: 2996, by Ibn ‘Hibban: 6155, and by Al-Albani, in Sa’hee’h Al-Jami’: 3238.

[6] Companions Ibn Shihab and Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah, mAbpwt all, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “The man whom I have ever seen to mostly look-like Jibreel is Di’hya Al-Kalbi” (Authenticated as a Sa’hee’h ‘Hadeeth by Al-Albani, in Sa’hee’h Al-Jami’: 987 and by Ibn Sa’d, in Al-Tabaqat Al-Kubra: 4/250).

The Arabic text and the authentication of the ‘Hadeeth are as follows:

عًنْ ابنِ شَهابٍ وجابرٍ بنِ عبدِ اللهِ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهُم ، أنَّ رسولَ اللهِ ، صلى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّمً ، قالَ: "أشبهُ مَن رَأيتُ بِجبريلَ دِحْيةُ الكلْبيُّ" (صَحَّحَهُ الألبانيُّ ، في صحيحِ الجامعِ: 987 ، وأخرجهُ ابنُ سعدٍ ، في الطبقاتِ الكُبرى: 4\250).

In another ‘Hadeeth, Companion Abu Hurayra, mAbpwh, narrated that Jibreel, peace be upon him, entered the Madina Masjid and asked the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, the four questions about Islam, Iman, I’hsan, and the Hour. Abu Hurayra described him at the beginning of the ‘Hadeeth, saying: “he is the best among people in face-looks, smelling, and cleanliness of clothes. When Jibreel left, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “That was Jibreel, peace be upon him, (who) descended in the image of Di’hya Al-Kalbi” (Authenticated as a Sa’hee’h ‘Hadeeth by Al-Albani, based on Sa’hee’h Al-Nisa-i: 5006).

جَاءَ ذلكَ في الحديثِ الشريفِ الذي رواهُ أبو هُرَيْرَةَ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهُ ، والذي ذَكَرَ فيهِ قُدومَ جبريلَ ، عليهِ السلامُ ، إلى المسجدِ ، وسؤالَهُ لرسولِ اللهِ ، صلى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّمً ، عن الإسلامِ والإيمانِ والإحسانِ والساعةِ. فوصفهُ أبو هُرَيْرَةَ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهُ ، في أول الحديثِ بأنهُ "أحسنُ الناسِ وجهًا وأطيبُ الناسِ ريحًا ، كأنَّ ثيابَهُ لم يمسَّها دَنَسٌ." وعندَ انصرافِهِ ، قالَ رسولُ اللهِ ، صلى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّمً ، عنهُ: "وإنه لجبريلُ ، عليه السلامُ ، نزل في صورة دِحيةَ الكلبيِّ" (صَحَّحَهُ الألبانيُّ ، عنْ صحيحِ النسائيِّ: 5006).

Companion Abdullah Bin ‘Omar, mAbpwth both, said that: “Jibreel used to come to the Prophet, pbbuh, in the image of Di’hya Al-Kalbi” (Authenticated as a Sa’hee’h ‘Hadeeth by Al-Albani, in Al-Salsala Al-Sa’hee’ha: 3/104, based on Muslim’s conditions, and by A’hmed: 5857).

Finally, when Companion Di’hya Al-Kalbi used to enter Madina, young women would come out to look at him, as he was the best among people in looks, beauty, and majestic appearance, as reported by Ibn Qutayba. Shamsuddeen Al-Dthahabi commented saying: “No doubt that Di’hya was the most beautiful among the Prophet’s Companions in Madina (دحية الكلبي - ويكيبيديا).

Ibn Qutayba’s book (Arabic):

ابن قتيبة (1992)، المعارف، تحقيق: ثروت عكاشة (ط. 6)، القاهرة: دار الكتب والوثائق القومية، OCLC:929498770، QID:Q114755560

Al-Dthahabi’s book (Arabic)

شمس الدين الذهبي (2006)، سير أعلام النبلاء، تحقيق: محمد أيمن الشبراوي، القاهرة: دار الحديث، OCLC:85849749، QID:Q120648548

[7] The Mother of the Believers, ‘Aayisha, mAbpwh, said: “Whoever claimed that Mu’hammed had seen his Lord, he said a great (falsehood), but he saw Jibreel in his (real) image and (natural) creation, (with his size) blocking the horizon” (Sa’hee’h Al-Bukhari: 3234).

The Arabic text and the authentication of the ‘Hadeeth are as follows:

عَنْ عائشةَ ، أمِّ المؤمنينَ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنها ، أنها قالت: "مَن زَعَمَ أنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَأَى رَبَّهُ فقَدْ أَعْظَمَ (الفريةِ) ، ولَكِنْ قدْ رَأَى جِبْرِيلَ في صُورَتِهِ وخَلْقُهُ ، سَادٌّ ما بيْنَ الأُفُقِ" (صحيحُ البخاريُّ: 3234).

Companion ‘Abdullah Bin Mas’aud, mAbpwh, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “I saw Jibreel, (as having) six hundred wings” (Authenticated as a Sa’hee’h ‘Hadeeth by Al-Albani, in Sa’hee’h Al-Jami’: 3464, Ibn Manda, in Al-Iman: 743, Al-Bukhari: 3232, and Muslim: 174, with few differences).

The Arabic text and the authentication of the ‘Hadeeth is as follows:

وعَنْ عبدِ اللهِ بنِ مسعودٍ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهُ ، أنَّ رسولَ اللهِ ، صلى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ ، قالَ: "رأيتُ جِبْرِيلَ لَهُ سِتُّمِائةِ جَنَاحٍ" (صَحَّحَهُ الألبانيُّ ، في صحيحِ الجامعِ: 3464 ، وأخرجهُ ابنُ مَنْدَه ، في الإيمانِ: 743 ، واللفظُ لَهُ ، كما أخرجهُ البخاريُّ: 3232 ، ومُسلمُ: 174 ، باختلافٍ يسيرٍ).

In another version of the ‘Hadeeth, Companion ‘Abdullah Bin Mas’aud, mAbpwh, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “I saw Jibreel, above the Sidr Tree of the Furthest Boundary (Sidratul Muntaha), having six hundred wings” (Authenticated by Ibn Katheer, in his interpretation of the Holy Quran: 7/427, ruling the status of the ‘Hadeeth is Good. It was also authenticated by Al-Bukhari: 3232, Muslim: 174, Al-Nisa-i, in Al-Sunan Al-Kubra: 11542, and A’hmed: 3862).

The Arabic text and the authentication of the ‘Hadeeth is as follows:

وفي روايةٍ أخرى للحديثِ ، ذَكَرَ عبدُ اللهِ بنِ مسعودٍ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهُ ، أنَّ رسولَ اللهِ ، صلى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ ، قالَ: "رأيتُ جِبْرِيلَ على سِدرَةِ الْمُنْتَهَى ولَهُ ستُّمائةِ جَناحٍ" (أخرجهُ ابنُ كثيرٍ ، في تفسيرِ القُرآنِ العظيمِ: 7\427 ، وقالَ إنَّ إسنادَهُ جَيِّدٌ. وكذلكَ أخرجهُ البخاريُّ: 3232 ، ومُسلِمُ: 174 ، والنسائيُّ ، في السننِ الكبرى: 11542 ، وأحمدُ: 3862 ، واللفظُ لهُ).

[8] God’s Spirit is mentioned in verse 17: 85 twice; in reference to blowing it in Adam, in verses 15: 29 and 38: 72; in the human being, in verse 32: 9; in ‘Eisa (Jesus), in verse 4:171; in Maryam (Mary), in verse 66: 12; in support to believers, in verse 58: 22; and as a command in verses 16: 2, 40: 15, and 42: 52.

The word “Spirit” is also mentioned as a description of the Senior Angel, Jibreel (Gabriel), peace to him, as the “Spirit of the Holy,” in verses 2: 87, 2: 253, 5: 110, and 16: 102. He is also described as “Our Spirit” in his mission to Maryam (Mary), in verses 19: 17 and 21: 91. He is further referred to as the “Spirit” in verses 70: 4, 78: 38, and 97: 4. Finally, he is described as the “Trusted Spirit” in verse 26: 193.

[9] There are eleven verses in the Holy Quran, which mention the angels’ exaltation of Allah with praise. These are 7: 206, 13: 13, 21: 20, 24: 41, 39: 75, 40: 7, 41: 38, 42: 5, 59: 24, 62: 1, and 64: 1.

[10] For more details, see Chapter 6, "Adam's Contest With the Angels, and Getting Out of Paradise," of this author’s first book about Islam (Islam: A Scientific View of God’s Message to Humanity).

The verses which mention the punishment of Allah to the Shaytan (Satan), Iblees, for his disobedience to prostrate to Adam, are as follows:

قَالَ فَاهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَاخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ الصَّاغِرِينَ (الأعْرافُ ، 7: 13).

قَالَ فَاخْرُجْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّكَ رَجِيمٌ ‎﴿٣٤﴾‏ وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكَ اللَّعْنَةَ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ‎﴿٣٥﴾ (الْحِجْرُ ، 15: 34-35).

إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلًا (الإسْرَاءُ ، 17: 65).

(Allah) said: "Descend from it (Paradise), for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So, get out; indeed, you are of the debased (Al-A’araf, 7: 13).

(Allah) said: "Then, get out of it, for indeed, you are expelled. (34) And indeed, upon you is the curse until the Day of Recompense." (35) (Al-‘Hijr, 15: 34-35).

Indeed, over My worshippers, there is for you no authority. And sufficient is your Lord as a Disposer of affairs (Al-Isra, 17: 65).

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يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّـهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَاللَّـهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ (الصَّفُّ ، 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).