The Death of Azrael: The Last Words and Pain of the Angel Who Takes His Own Soul

The Death of Azrael, the Angel of Death: “Every soul will taste death.” (Qur’an, Al-Ankabut, 57). This verse, one of the most fundamental and unshakeable truths of Islamic belief, applies to all living beings without exception. Humans, animals, jinn, and even angels… So, how will this reality manifest for the “Angel of Death,” Azrael, who is tasked with taking the souls of billions of creatures? What will the being who knows best what it means to take a life experience when he faces his own death?

In this article, guided by Islamic sources, we will journey to the final moments of the apocalypse and examine in detail the astonishing and cautionary moment of the death of the angel Azrael (peace be upon him).

Who is the Angel of Death, Azrael, and What is His Duty?

As one of the four great archangels in Islam, Azrael (pbuh) is tasked by Allah’s command to take the souls of living beings whose time has come. Although his name is not directly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, his duty is indicated in Surah As-Sajdah, verse 11: “Say, ‘The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned.'” He is an honorable angel who fulfills his duty at the time appointed for every creature, as a manifestation of Allah’s absolute will.

Will the Angels Also Die on the Day of Judgment?

As narrated in hadith and tafsir (commentaries), when Israfil (pbuh) blows the Trumpet for the second time, everything in the heavens and on earth will perish, except for those whom Allah wills. After this great event, Almighty Allah asks the angel of death, Azrael: “O Azrael! Who remains of My servants?”

Azrael (pbuh) replies: “O Lord! You are the Everlasting. The angels who carry the Throne, Gabriel, Michael, Israfil, and this weak servant of yours, Azrael, remain.”

Allah Almighty then commands him to take the souls of the other great angels in turn. All that remains is the infinitely powerful Allah and His faithful servant, Azrael.

How Will the Death of Azrael Occur?

While absolute silence reigns over the universe, the final dialogue takes place.

Allah Almighty asks: “O Azrael! Who remains?”

Azrael (pbuh) replies, trembling: “O my Lord! You are the Everlasting. No one is left but You and this weak, humble servant of Yours, Azrael.”

And in that moment, the most dramatic command in all of creation is given:

“O Azrael! Take your own soul! You, too, must taste death!”

The Pain Experienced by the Angel of Death While Taking His Own Soul

According to narrations, Azrael (pbuh) lies down in a place between Paradise and Hell to begin taking his own soul. He now experiences firsthand the moment he has witnessed and carried out billions of times. The pain of the soul separating from the body is so intense that he lets out a great cry from the anguish he suffers.

The Last Words Spoken by Azrael as He Dies

And from within that cry, these cautionary words, which will go down in history, are uttered:

“By Your Glory and Majesty! If I had known before that the agony of the death throes was like this, I would not have taken the soul of any believer so (easily)!”

This confession is the greatest proof of how harsh a reality death is and how difficult the moment of dying is.

3 Important Lessons to Be Learned from This Cautionary Tale

This profound story gives us several important messages:

1. The Absolute Power and Everlasting Nature of Allah: The fact that everything is mortal and only Allah is Al-Baqi (The Everlasting) is made crystal clear.
2. The Inevitability of Death: No position, status, or power can escape death. Even the Angel of Death himself is subject to this divine law.
3. Empathy and Divine Mercy: Azrael’s last words remind us how precious the soul of a believer is and how vast the mercy of Allah is. It is a great blessing for believers that the moment of death is made easy for them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Death of Azrael

1. Who will take Azrael’s soul?

According to Islamic sources, Azrael (pbuh) will take his own soul by the command of Allah.

2. Will all angels die?

Yes, according to the verses in the Qur’an and the hadiths, all angels will taste death on the Day of Judgment, except for those whom Allah wills to preserve.

3. How does Azrael take the souls of believers?

It is stated in narrations that Azrael (pbuh) appears to believers in a beautiful form, gives them greetings of peace, and gently takes their souls as if pulling a hair from butter. For disbelievers, the situation is the complete opposite.

Conclusion: A Contemplation on Mortality and Eternity

The trial of the Angel of Death with his own death is a powerful mirror for us to reflect on mortality and eternity. It reminds us how transient life is and that every moment should be lived with the consciousness that we will return to Almighty Allah. Our last breath will be a reflection of our deeds in this world. May my Lord grant us all the blessing of meeting Him with faith and ease.