What Is Belief In Angels?

Belief in angels is a core aspect of Islamic faith. They are created from light, carry out divine commands, and have no will for disobedience. This article explores their nature, roles, and significance through Quranic verses and authentic Prophetic traditions.

Definition And Concept

Belief in angels stands as one of the six pillars of faith in Islam. Muslims affirm that angels are pure, luminous beings who worship Allah continuously and execute His commands without hesitation. Their existence is neither symbolic nor metaphorical but a real, fundamental truth emphasized in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Angels are central to the Islamic worldview, representing divine mercy, guidance, and the seamless connection between the heavenly and earthly realms. Their presence reminds believers that the cosmos operates according to Allah’s will, upheld by these obedient servants who never tire in praising their Creator.

Creation Of Angels

In Islamic doctrine, angels are created from light, distinguishing them from humans (created from clay) and jinn (created from smokeless fire). This luminous origin indicates their purity and complete devotion to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Angels were created from light, jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you (clay).” (Sahih Muslim)

Because of their light-based nature, angels do not possess physical needs like eating, sleeping, or procreation. They remain continuously engaged in worship, glorifying Allah with unceasing devotion. Their nature is inherently good; they do not sin nor deviate from the tasks entrusted to them. This purity underscores their role as perfect envoys between Allah and His creation.

Roles And Responsibilities

Angels carry out a wide range of tasks, reflecting the divine order in the universe. Each angel or group of angels fulfills a specific duty assigned by Allah. Some of the most renowned include:

• Jibril (Gabriel): Tasked with conveying revelation to the Prophets. He delivered the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is known as the Angel of Revelation.
• Mikail (Michael): Oversees the distribution of sustenance and the regulation of natural phenomena, such as rain and vegetation.
• Israfil: Responsible for blowing the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection, heralding the end of the world and the final judgment.
• Malik Al-Mawt (Azrael): The angel of death, charged with taking souls at the appointed time of departure from this life.

Beyond these prominent figures, countless angels serve various roles, including the Kiraman Katibin (noble recorders) who document each person’s deeds, and the Hafaza (guardian angels) who protect individuals by Allah’s command. All these duties illustrate the depth of their involvement in maintaining cosmic harmony.

Angels In The Quran And Hadith

The Quran frequently refers to angels, emphasizing their importance as obedient servants who carry out Allah’s will. One such verse states:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا

Al-hamdu lillāhi fāṭiris-samāwāti wal-arḍi jāʿilil-malāʾikati rusulā

“All praise is for Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels as messengers.” (Fatir 1) (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

Prophetic traditions (hadith) further clarify the nature and roles of angels. For instance, it is narrated that angels form rows around the Throne of Allah, continually glorifying Him. (Sahih Muslim) Another hadith mentions that angels lower their wings over those who seek knowledge, indicating their reverence for believers striving in the path of enlightenment. (Riyad as-Salihin)

These references confirm that angels occupy a vital position in Islamic cosmology. They are intimately involved in delivering revelation, protecting believers, and recording deeds, ensuring that nothing escapes divine knowledge.

Spiritual Impact On Individuals

A sincere awareness of angels profoundly shapes a believer’s personal life. When one realizes that angels document every word and deed, it fosters a deeper sense of responsibility and self-discipline. This consciousness leads to heightened moral conduct, prompting Muslims to avoid sinful behavior and strive for righteous actions.

• Constant Remembrance: Knowing that angels praise Allah perpetually encourages believers to maintain consistent worship and remembrance (dhikr).
• Heightened Accountability: With angels recording every deed, one becomes more cautious about wrongdoing and more eager to do good.
• Inner Peace: Believers draw comfort from the belief that guardian angels, by Allah’s permission, watch over them.

In essence, belief in angels cultivates a spiritual vigilance that refines character, purifies intentions, and infuses daily life with a sense of divine companionship.

Social Dimensions

Beyond personal development, belief in angels also resonates throughout a community. Muslims who understand that angels document interactions and behavior are more inclined to practice justice, honesty, and compassion in social settings. This belief fosters:

• Mutual Respect: Recognizing that angels witness every transaction or interaction encourages upright dealings and discourages exploitation or deceit.
• Generosity And Charity: Knowing that charitable deeds are recorded by angels motivates believers to share wealth and resources.
• Community Harmony: A society anchored in the consciousness of divine oversight tends to prioritize unity, empathy, and social welfare.

This angelic awareness acts as a moral compass, guiding believers to nurture communal bonds through sincerity and mutual care.

Misconceptions

Despite clear teachings, some misconceptions about angels persist. One is the notion that angels possess free will akin to humans and can thus commit sin or rebellion. However, Islamic doctrine states that angels do not disobey Allah. They fulfill each command flawlessly, illustrating their unique nature.

Another misconception arises from depictions of angels with wings in a purely physical sense. While the Quran and Hadith mention angels having wings, it is essential to note that their form transcends typical human understanding. Their wings signify spiritual power and the ability to traverse realms, rather than literal bird-like appendages.

Similarly, conflating angels with deities or objects of worship is a grave error. Islam emphasizes that angels, though exalted beings, remain servants of Allah, and only He is worthy of worship. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Connection With Other Pillars Of Faith

Belief in angels intertwines seamlessly with the other pillars of faith in Islam:

1. Belief In Allah: Angels reflect the majesty of the Creator, as they demonstrate His power, mercy, and flawless organization of the universe.
2. Belief In The Prophets: Angels, particularly Jibril, transmit revelation to prophets, linking divine guidance to humanity.
3. Belief In The Holy Books: Since angels deliver and guard revelations, acceptance of these sacred texts inherently acknowledges angelic involvement.
4. Belief In The Day Of Judgment: Angels like Israfil and Malik Al-Mawt are intimately tied to the events of resurrection and the accounting of deeds.
5. Belief In Divine Decree (Qadar): Angels execute Allah’s will, implementing what is decreed in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz).

Hence, angels form a bridge connecting the unseen realm with the visible world, reinforcing each of the essential components of Islamic belief.

Duas And Remembrance

Believers often invoke angels’ presence in their prayers and spiritual gatherings. One example is the well-known hadith where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) describes how angels gather around circles of remembrance (dhikr), enveloping them in tranquility and divine mercy. (Sahih Muslim)

A common supplication that underscores the idea of angelic attendance is reciting salawat (sending blessings) upon the Prophet. Angels themselves join this blessed act, and Allah’s mercy descends upon those who do so. In everyday life, believers may also recite protective verses from the Quran, seeking the company of angels who guard them by Allah’s permission.

Influence On Daily Life

From dawn until dusk, angels play a pivotal role in a believer’s existence. Upon waking, a Muslim is encouraged to remember Allah, thereby inviting blessings and the companionship of righteous angels. Before sleeping, reciting verses from the Quran—like Ayat al-Kursi—helps ensure peace and protection, with angels standing watch throughout the night.

• Work And Transactions: Integrity in business dealings is reinforced by the knowledge that angels record every contract, sale, or promise.
• Relationships: Kindness, patience, and respect toward family and neighbors are magnified by the awareness that angels witness these interactions.
• Trials And Hardships: During personal struggles, the belief in angels providing help and recording steadfastness can offer comfort and resolve.

In this manner, angels become an invisible yet constant reminder of divine presence, shaping the way believers navigate their responsibilities and relationships.

Wider Cosmic Order

Islamic teachings illustrate that angels operate within a vast cosmic framework. They facilitate natural events like rainfall, growth of plants, and distribution of sustenance. Each process in the universe, from the rotation of galaxies to the rustling of leaves, occurs under the watchful guidance of angels who meticulously fulfill their designated roles. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

This grand orchestration testifies to Allah’s infinite wisdom, as the cosmos functions in perfect balance. For a Muslim, such harmony reaffirms the importance of aligning human endeavors with divine directives, mirroring the angels’ unyielding obedience.

Final Words

Belief in angels is not a mere abstract concept but a profound reality that enriches every dimension of a Muslim’s life. From personal worship to societal ethics, from birth to death, angels serve as constant reminders of Allah’s omnipotence and compassion. Their unwavering devotion and meticulous execution of divine commands exemplify perfect submission, encouraging believers to emulate such loyalty in their relationship with the Creator.

Understanding angels as luminous beings who record deeds, protect individuals, and glorify Allah day and night brings a sense of accountability, tranquility, and humility. This realization fuels moral conduct, fosters unity, and nurtures a community dedicated to justice, mercy, and spiritual growth. By internalizing these truths, Muslims find comfort and purpose in knowing that they walk in the company of angels, striving together toward the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah in this life and the next.

References

• Sahih al-Bukhari
• Sahih Muslim
• Tafsir Ibn Kathir
• Riyad as-Salihin
• Classical Islamic Texts
• Al-Ghazali, The Revival of the Religious Sciences

Views: 0