Belief in Angels


Table of Contents

Introduction
The obligation of belief in the world of the Angels
The types of  Angels and their duties
The Angels and Human Beings
Iblis was not an Angel
The Differences Between the Actions of the Angels and Those
of the Evil Jinn
Conclusion
Article of Faith-Belief in Angels
Activities of angels with humans
What are Angels created from?
What do Angels look like?
What functions do Angels perform?
Why are Angels necesary to bring Allahs messages to man?
Is there any other important point Islam tells us about angels?
Is there a key significance of belief in Angels?
What are Angels?
Belief in Angels of Allah
Celestial Beings
What Belief in Angels Means


Introduction

Verily, all praise is due to Allah (swt) "The Exalted", we
praise Him and we seek His aid, and forgiveness, and
protection from the wicked-ness of ourselves and the evils
of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah (swt) guides, there is none
can misguide him, and whom Allah (swt) sends astray, none
can guide him. And I testify that none is worthy of worship
except Allah (swt), Alone, without partners, and I testify
that Muhammad (saas) is His Slave and His Messenger.

Allah (swt ), says:

" It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards
the east or the west, but it is righteousness to believe in
the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets
(Qur'an 2:177)

When the angel Jibreel (as) came to the Messenger of Allah
(saas), he asked him: Tell me about Eemaan1." The Messenger
of Allah (saas) replied: Eemaan is: to believe in Allah
(swt) (to affirm His Oneness in worship, in His Names and
Attributes and in His Lordship), His angels (created from
light, to carry out the Commands of Allah (swt), with
unquestioning obedience), His Books (The Toraah, the
Injeel, the Zaboor and the Qur'an, which is the greatest of
them), His Messengers (saas) [the first of whom was Nooh
(as) and the last of whom was Muhammad (saas)], and to
believe in the Last Day (the Day of Resurrection, when all
will be held accountable for their deeds) and Qadr, both
good and bad (Divine Predestination: taking whatever action
is necessary to achieve one's objectives, but with the
knowledge that nothing happens except what Allah (swt) has
written for us).(Narrated by Muslim)

Here, the Prophet (saas) has defined faith as consisting of
six pillars: Belief in Allah (swt), His angels, His Books,
His Messengers, the Last Day and Qadr, both good and bad;
and so faith cannot be built except upon these six pillars,
just as a building cannot be constructed except upon these
firm foundations. The meaning of faith in Allah's angels is
to believe in their existence and the works they do in
Allah's Name. The angels were created by Allah (swt) from
light in order that they worship Him, obey Him and carry
out His Commands. They are part of the unseen from amongst
His creation-we do not see them, but we are obliged to
believe in them with full conviction and without any doubt,
because Allah (swt), Most High has informed us about them
in a clear way which leaves no room for doubt or
conjecture, as has His Messenger (saas). None knows their
number, nor their precise nature, nor the exact manner of
their creation but Allah (swt). Amongst their attributes
are:

That they are the armies of Allah (swt), the Almighty, the
All-powerful says:

" To Allah belong the armies of the heavens and the
earth."(Qur'an 48:4)

And concerning the Guardians of Hell, He, (swt) says:

" Over it are nineteen [Guardians]."(Qur'an 74:30)

Then Allah (swt) says:

" And We have set none but angels as Guardians of the Fire;
and We have fixed their number only as a trial for those
who disbelieved." (Qur'an 74:31)

Angels Creation
These are beings of a different nature from man. While man
is created from soil they are created from light. [Sahih
Muslim, Kitab az-Zuhd, 1227] And thus human beings-except
Prophets--cannot see them in their original nature, but
may see them if they take a physical form. Our knowledge
of them is therefore almost entirely based on What Cod and
His Prophets tell us about them. But why should we bother
to know about them? Because they play a very big role in
conducting our affair. To know about them could Perhaps be
said to be useful to us in the same manner as knowledge of
the working of natural causes and other people's behaviour
is useful.

We are told that these almost innumerable beings who are
extremely powerful are created in such a way that they
always obey and never go against Divine commands, and
continuously server and never tire of serving the Lord.
[Anbiya', XXI, 19-20; Tahrim, LXVI:6].

Aa'ishah (radiyallaahu 'anhaa) said: The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: The angels were created from light, and the Jinn were created from a smokeless fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to you. [Reported by Muslim, and Ahmad in his Musnad. See Fathul Baaree (6/232), and Mukhtasir Saheeh Muslim with the checking of Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ud Deen Al Albaanee (2/338)]

al Haafidh Ibn Hajar says: Most Muslims agree that the angels are kind bodies which are given the ability to take different forms, and they live in the heavens. [Fathul Baaree (6/232)]

Table of Contents


The obligation of belief in the world of the Angels

The angels are part of the unseen world about which Allah the Exalted, has informed His Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him. The angels are honorable slaves of Allah. Allah says:"They do not rebel against His commands, and do exactly what they are commanded." (66:6)

Allah has created the angels to worship Him, and charged them with duties that they fulfill obediently as Allah the Exalted, mentions in the Qur'an rebuffing thus what some people falsely believe that the angels are the intercessors and the daughters of Allah.

Since it is imperative to believe in the existence of the angels, it is also imperative to believe in what Allah, and what Muhammad, peace be upon him, has informed about them, including the fact that Jibreel (Gabriel) is one of them, and that he was the one who brought down revelation to the Messengers of Allah.

Among the angels also are those who keep count of man's deeds; the record which will be shown to man on the Day of Resurrection when man will be able to recognize his record of deeds, and would deny none of its content. Once he denies any of his deeds, man's own organs will bear witness against him.

"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing"
[Quran 2:177]

And Allaah s.a.w Also says in the Quran:

The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His messengers." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.
[Quran 2:285]

"O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray."
[Quran 4:136]

In the Above verses of the Quraan we clearly see that Belief in the world of the angels is a basic tenet of Eemaan! [faith] we cannot have Eemaan or faith without having belief in the unseen existance and the angels about which in the above verse - 4:136 Allaah has said that those that deny Allaah, his angels, his books, his messengers, and the day of judgement, has gon far, far astray!

Table of Contents


The types of  Angels and their duties

We (Muslims) believe in the existence of the angels of Allah and that they are "honored servants. They do not speak before He (Allah) does, and they act only by His command." (Qur'an 21:26-27)

Allah created them and they worshipped and obeyed Him."Those who are at His presence do not disdain to worship Him, nor do they weary." (Qur'an 21:19)

Angels are concealed from us, we cannot see them. Allah may show them to some of His servants. The Prophet Muhammad peace on him saw Gabriel in his real shape with six hundred wings that covered the horizons (Bukhari and Muslims).

Gabriel took the form of a handsome human being who met Mary and exchanged conversation with her. He came to the Prophet peace on him, while he was with his companions in the appearance of an unknown man who did not show any trace of long travel, with very white clothes and very black hair. He sat facing the Prophet: his knees to the Prophet's knees and his palms on the Prophet's thighs and talked with the Prophet. The Prophet may Allah exalt his mention, later told his companions that the man they saw was Gabriel. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Angels' Functions:

We believe that the angels are assigned certain functions. Among the angels is Gabriel who is entrusted with revelation. He brings it down from Allah to whomever He wishes among His Prophets and Messengers.
Among them is Michael who is in charge of rain and plantation. Among them also is Israfil who is in charge of blowing the Horn at the time of Thunder bolting and Resurrection. Among them is the angel of death, who takes away people's souls at the time of death. Among the angels is the one who is in charge of mountains; and Malik, the keeper of Hell.

Some angles are in charge of embryos in wombs, others are responsible for protecting the human beings and other angels are busy in recording men's deeds; two angels for every person, "(Remember) that the two angels receive (his deeds), one sitting on the right and one on the left, not a word he utters but by him is an observer ready."
(Qur'an 50:17-18)

Some other angels are in charge of questioning the dead after they are put in their last abode. Two angels come to him and ask him about his Lord, his Religion, and his Prophet. There "Allah confirms those who believe with the firm say, in the present life and the Hereafter, and Allah leads astray the evildoers and Allah does what He Wills." (Qur'an 14:27)

Some of the angels look after the dwellers of Paradise: "The angels enter to them from every gate, saying: Peace be upon you for that you were patient. How excellent is your final home." (Qur'an 13:24)

The Prophet may Allah exalt his mention told us that seventy thousand angels enter or pray in the Populous House in Heaven every day. They never come back to it as long as they live (because their turn will never come)." (Bukhari and Muslim)   

[From: The Muslim's Belief]

Allah has created Angels out of light and gave them various duties to perform.  
They are not visible to us.  
They do not commit any sins nor do they disobey Allah. 
They do what Allah has ordered. 
We do not know their exact number.  
We know of four famous Angels. They are: - 

• Hazrat JIBRAEEL Alayhis Salaam.
• Hazrat MICHAEEL Alayhis Salaam.
• Hazrat IZRAAELL Alayhis Salaam.
• Hazrat ISRAFEEL Alayhis Salaam.

1-Hazrat JIBRAEEL (Alayhis-Salaam) brought Allah's Books, Orders and messages to all the Prophets. He was also sent to help the Prophets at times and fight against their enemies. 

2- Hazrat MICHAAEEL (A.S.) is in charge of food and rain. Other Angels work under him who are in charge of clouds, the seas, the rivers and the winds. He gets the order from Allah. He then orders the others under his command. 

3-.Hazrat IZRAAEEL (A.S.) takes away life with the order of Allah. He is in charge of death. Numerous Angels work under him. Some take away the lives of good persons whilst others looking very fearful take away the lives of sinners and disbelievers. 

4- Hazrat ISRAAFEEL (A.S.) will blow the SOOR (TRUMPET) on the DAY OF JUDGMENT. The sound will destroy and kill everything that is on earth and in the skies. When he blows for the second time all will come to life with the order of Allah.  
5- There are two Angels that are always with every person. One writes all his GOOD DEEDS whilst the other enters all his BAD DEEDS. They are known as :- KIRAAMAN-KAATIBEEN. 

6- The MUNKAR and NAKEER question a person when he dies. 

7-Some Angels are in charge of HEAVEN, some of HELL, some of looking after children, the old ,the weak and others whom Allah wishes to protect. 

Other tasks entrusted to the angels include those whose
responsibility is the unborn child in the womb. It is
reported on the authority of Ibn Mas'ud that the Messenger
of Allah (saas) said:

" Verily, each of you is created in the form of a drop of
sperm in his mother's womb for forty days, then he is a
clot for a similar period, then he is a lump of flesh (the
size of a morsel) for a similar (period), then the angel is
sent to breathe (human) spirit into him, then (the angel)
is ordered to write down his share of livelihood, his
appointed term (i.e. how long he will live), his actions
and whether he will be miserable or happy." (Narrated by
Bukhari and Muslim)

Every human being has two angels accompanying him at
atimes: One on his right, who records the good deeds, and
one on his left, who records the bad deeds. Allah (swt)
says:

" [Remember that] the two Receivers [recording angels]
receive [each human being after he or she has attained the
age of puberty], one sitting on the right and one sitting
on the left [to note his or her actions]. Not a word does
he [or she] but there is a watcher by him ready [to record
it]." (Qur'an 50:17:18)

Abu Hurairah reports that the Messenger of Allah (saas)
said:

" Angels ascend to and descend from the heaven
continuously, in turn, some by night and some by day; and
all of them assemble together at the time of fajr and 'asr
prayers. Then those who have stayed with you overnight
ascend unto Allah (swt), Who asks them (and He knows the
answer better than they): How have you left My slaves? They
reply: We left them while they were praying and we came to
them while they were praying. The narrator added: If any of
you says: Aameen (during the prayer, at the end of the
recitation of Surah Al-Faatihah), and the angels in heaven
say the same, and the two sayings coincide, all his past
sins will be forgiven." (Narrated by Bukhari)

In addition, there are those of the angels who protect
mankind from harm; Allah (swt) has appointed them to
preserve us from danger in this life, which He has written
for us. In this world are many dangerous things: Predators
(both human and animal) snakes, scorpions, tyrannical
rulers, unjust people etc. But Allah (swt), in His infinite
Mercy, has appointed for us protectors from amongst the
angels. Allah (swt), the Almighty, the All-powerful:

" For each [person] there are angels in succession, before
and behind him, they guard him by the Command of Allah."
(Qur'an 13:11)

Allah (swt) does not improve the situation of any people
until they improve themselves. So long as Allah (swt) has
written it, none can harm us, for these angels protect us
from all evils. And if Allah (swt) decrees destruction for
a community, then none can save them and the angels
withdraw from each person, one from in front and one from
behind.

There are angels whose responsibilities are the seas of the
earth, while others are responsible for the rivers, and
others the wind. There are still other angels whose
functions and duties none knows but Allah (swt). All events
in creation take place by the Order of Allah (swt), and the
angels undertake the tasks allotted to them by Him.

As stated earlier, it is an article of faith for the Muslim
to believe in the angels; Allah (swt) has informed us of
the names of some of them, such as: Jibreel, Meekaal,
Israafeel and Maalik (the Guardian of the Hell-fire), while
the identity of others is unknown to us. But we believe in
all the works which they undertake by the Order of Allah
(swt).

In the heavens are angels who worship Allah (swt), bowing
and prostrating to Him. There is not the space of a finger
joint in the heavens, which is not filled by an angel,
bowing and prostrating to Allah (swt). We love the angels,
for they are the best advisors to mankind, recommending us
to do good and abstain from evil, and they ask Allah's
forgiveness for us. Allah (swt) says:

" Those [angels] who bear the Throne [of Allah] and those
around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in
Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe [in the
Oneness of Allah]." (Qur'an 40:7)


It was said that a number of the disbelievers said
jokingly, that even if they were thrown into the Hell-fire,
they would fight the Guardians of Hell and overpower them,
then escape from the Fire- to which Allah (swt) replied
that he had not placed as Guardians over the Hell-fire
except angels, so let anyone try, be he strong enough to
over-power nineteen men, his strength would avail him
nothing for the Guardians of Hell are angels, not men and
he will never be able to overpower them. Allah (swt)
continues:

" And We have fixed their number (19) only as a trial for
those who disbelieved-in order that the People of the Book
may arrive at certainty and the Believers may increase
their faith - and that no doubts may be left for the People
of the Book and the Believers." (Qur'an 74:31)

Then Allah continues:

" And that those in whose hearts is a disease and the
unbelievers may say: What does Allah intend by this
example?" (Qur'an 74:31)

The disbelievers speculate and argue vainly concerning the
number of Guardians, saying: How can it be that this Fire
which contains countless numbers of mankind has only
nineteen guardians over it? Allah (swt) says:

" And We have fixed their number 19 only as a trial for
those who disbelieved." (Qur'an 74:31)

But they do not understand the might and power which Allah
(swt) has bestowed upon the angels,and the armies of Allah
(swt). Knowledge of this is only with Allah (swt).
According to At-Tabari, it was Abu Jahl, an uncle of the
Prophet (saas) and an inveterate enemy of Islaam who made
the foolish boast that they, the disbelievers would
overpower the Guardians of Hell and escape.

Also amongst the angels' attributes is that they are the
winged Messengers of Allah (swt) to mankind; Allah (swt)
says:

" All praise be to Allah, Who created the heavens and the
earth, Who made the angels Messengers with wings, two,
three or four." (Qur'an 35:1)

That is, some of them have two wings, while others have
three and others four, while others still have more; it is
related by Bukhari that the Messenger of Allah (saas) saw
Jibreel (as) and he had six hundred wings, each of them
filling the horizon. Allah (swt) says about him:

" He was taught by one mighty in power." (Qur'an 53:5)

At-Tabari says: He (Muhammad (saas)) was taught the Qur'an
by Jibreel (as). The angels possess great strength by
Allah's Will, and the proof of this is that when Allah
(swt) sends forth an angel, he gives just one shout and a
part of creation is destroyed, as it happened to the people
of Thamood:

" Verily, We sent but one shout and they became like dry
twigs of the builder of the cattle fold." (Qur'an 54:31)

Thus, the people of Thamood, who rejoiced in their great
strength and arrogance became like dry sticks after the
shout from the angel took them. Likewise the people of Loot
(as) who lived in three or four townships, but the angel
Jibreel (as) raised them up, people, buildings and all,
until the other angels could hear the dogs barking and the
cocks crowing, then he inverted their towns upon them and
Allah (swt) caused the earth to collapse upon them and then
stones of baked clay were rained upon them, according to
At-
Tabari, who narrated the story in his commentary on verse
82 of Soorah Hood.

It is Israafeel (angel) (as) who will blow the trumpet on
the Last Day; the first trump will cause the death of every
living creature in the heavens and the earth and the
destruction of all created things:

" Then when the trumpet will be blown with one blowing [the
first], and the earth and the mountains shall be removed
from their places, and crushed with a single crushing, then
on that Day shall the Great Event befall, and the heaven
will split asunder, for that Day it [the heaven] will be
frail [weak] and torn up, and the angels will be on its
sides, and eight angels will, on that Day, bear the Throne
of your Lord above them." (Qur'an 69:13-17)

Then comes the second trump, which is the Calling Forth:

" Then behold! They will be standing, looking on
[waiting]." (Qur'an 39:68)

This is just one of the duties of Israafeel (as) which
Allah (swt) has ordered him to perform. The angels are sent
by Allah (swt) at times to help the Muslims, when they are
in need of assistance against the unbelievers:

" [Remember] when you [oh, Muhammad] said to the believers:
Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you
with three thousand angels, sent down?" (Qur'an 3:124)

And on the Day of Resurrection, the angels will be sent
down to the earth in hosts:

" And [remember] the Day when the heaven shall be rent
asunder with clouds, and the angels will be sent down, with
a grand descending." (Qur'an 25:25)

They ask forgiveness for those on earth:

" Nearly the heavens might rent asunder from above [by His
Majesty], and the angels glorify the praises of their Lord
and ask forgiveness for those on earth, verily, Allah is
the Oft-forgiving." (Qur'an 42:5)

And they take out the souls from the dead:

" By those [angels] who pull out [the souls of the
disbelievers and the wicked] with great violence; by those
(angels) who gently take out [the souls of the Believers]."
(Qur'an 79:1-2)

Then there are those who watch over us:

" But verily, over you [are appointed angels in charge of
mankind] to watch you, honourable [in Allah's sight]
writing down [your deeds] they know all that you do."
(Qur'an 82:10-12)

Some of the angels have been appointed as bearers of the
Divine Revelation; Allah (swt) says:

" He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command
to whom of His slaves He pleases, [saying]:Warn mankind
that none has the right to be worshipped but I, so fear Me.
(Qur'an 16:2)

Of these Messengers, Jibreel (as) is the greatest, the best
and the most noble, for it is he who delivered the Qur'an
to Muhammad (saas). Allah (swt) says:

" The Trustworthy Spirit [Jibreel] has brought it [the
Quran] down upon your heart [oh, Muhammad] that you may be
[one] of the warners, in the plain Arabic language."
(Qur'an 26:193-195)

Allah (swt)has described Jibreel (as) as possessing many
fine attributes, such as:

" Verily, it [the Quran] is the Word [brought by] a most
honourable Messenger [Jibreel] owner of power and high rank
with [Allah], the Lord of the Throne, obeyed [by the
angels], trustworthy there [in the heavens]."
 (Qur'an 81:19-21)

Table of Contents


 The Angels and Human Beings

But in spite of this they are--as a species--in a lower
degree than the human species, and this is symbolized in
the fact that when Adam was created they were ordered to
prostrate themselves before him as a sign of greeting and
respect.[This verse - Isra, XVII:70] has been given (by
some) as evidence or the fact that the human species is
better than the species of angels. Ibn Kathir in his
tafsir of al-Qur'an al-`Azim].

Here are some of their activities in connection with human
beings.

Their main task, the one from which their name is derived
is that of conveying God's messages to His chosen
prophets. This great honor is assigned mainly to their
leader Gabriel (or Jibril as the name is pronounced in
Arabic).

"A noble messenger having power, with the Lord of the
Throne, secure, obeyed there (in heaven) and trusty."
[Takwir, LXXXI: 19-21]

A message carried by beings of such a nature is sure to
reach its destination intact.

They attend to and watch over us. They keep a record of
our good and bad deeds, and never a word we mention passes
without being registered by them either for or against us.
[Qaf, L: 17-18]

They play a role in the causation and happening of
seemingly purely natural phenomena, like wind and rain and
death. [Nazi'at, LXXIX: 1-5]

And to them is assigned the role of helping the believers
to the extent of fighting on their side in times of war.
['Al 'lmran, 11: 124], and of protecting them [Ra'd, XIII:
11], and praying for them [Ghafir, XL: 7].


1 – The angels and Aadam (RA):

When Allaah, the Most Exalted, wanted to create Aadam (RA) He informed His angels of that. They asked Him the reason behind that, because they knew that the sons of Aadam  (RA) would cause corruption and shed blood, and they would disobey Allaah and disbelieve in Him. He told them that there were reasons for the creation of Aadam (RA) which they did not know. Allaah Says in the Quran (what means): "And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.” They said, “Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?” He [Allaah] said, “Indeed, I know that which you do not know.” [Quran 2:30]

Their prostration to Aadam (RA) when he was created:

Allaah commanded His angels to prostrate to Aadam (RA) when He had completed his creation and breathed His soul into him, Saying (what means): "[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels: “Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration.” [Quran 38:71-72]

They responded to the command, except for Satan, as in the verse (which means): "So the angels prostrated — all of them entirely. Except Satan; he was arrogant and became among the disbelievers." [Quran 38:73-74]

How the angels taught Adam (RA):

It is narrated that Abu Hurayrah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allaah (RA) said: "Allaah created Aadam in his image (i.e. without progressing through the stages of a normal human, starting from a sperm until the completion of his human formation), and he (Aadam) was sixty cubits tall. When He had created    him, He said, `Go and greet them – a group of angels who were sitting – and listen to how they respond, for that will be your greeting and the greeting of your descendents.' So he said, 'As-Salaamu `Alaykum,' and they said, 'As-Salaamu `Alayka wa rahmat-Allaahi. So they added the words wa rahmat-Allaah." [Al-Bukhaari]

The angels washed Aadam (RA) when he died:

When Aadam (RA) died, his children did not know what they should do with his body, so the angels taught them. Ubayy Ibn Ka'b (RA) narrated that the Prophet (RA) said: "When Aadam, died, the angels washed his body with water an odd number of times, then they buried him in a grave with a niche (land), and said: This is the way of the sons of Aadam." [Al-Haakim and At-Tabaraani]

It is narrated in an authentic narration that the angels washed Hanthalah Ibn Abu `Aamir (RA) who was martyred in the battle of Uhud. The Messenger (RA) said to his companions (RA) after Hanthalah (RA) was killed: "The angels are washing your companion" – meaning Hanthalah. The companions asked his wife, and she said that he had gone out when he heard the call to Jihaad, and he was in a state of ritual impurity following marital relations. The Messenger of Allaah (RA)said, "That is why the angels washed his body." [Al-Haakim and Al-Bayhaqi]

2 – The angels and the sons of Aadam (RA):

The connection between the angels and the descendents of Aadam (RA)  is very strong. They are there when a person is created, they guard him/her after he/she emerges into this world. They bring the revelation from Allaah and they watch over people's actions and behaviour. They bring a person's soul forth from his body when his appointed time (of death) comes.

Their role in the creation of man:

Abu Tharr (RA) said: "I heard the Messenger of Allaah May Allah exalt his mention, say: `When forty-two nights are passed, Allaah sends an angel to the nutfah (embryo) and he gives it shape, forming its hearing and sight, its skin, flesh and bones. Then he says: `O Lord, male or female?' Then your Lord decrees whatever He wills and the angel writes it down.'" [Muslim]

It is narrated that Ibn Mas'ood (RA) said: "The Messenger of Allaah May Allah exalt his mention, who is the most truthful one, told us: "Each one of you comes together in mother's womb for forty days, then becomes an 'Aalaqah (clot) for a similar period of time. Then he becomes a Mudhghah (chewed lump of flesh) for a similar length of time. Then Allaah sends an angel to him, who is commanded with four things. It is said to him: Write down his deeds, his provision, and whether he is doomed (destined for Hell) or blessed (destined for Paradise). Then the soul is breathed into him.'" [Al-Bukhaari]

The Prophet may Allah exalt his mention, also said: "Allaah has appointed an angel over the womb, and he (the angel) says, 'O Lord, a Nutfah (embryo from the mixed discharge of male and female); O Lord, an 'Alaqah (clot); O Lord, a Mudhghah (chewed lump of flesh).' And when Allaah wants to decree his creation, he says: `O Lord, male or female? Doomed or blessed? What is his provision? What is his lifespan?' All of that is written when he is in his mother's womb." [Al-Bukhaari]

The angels guard the sons of Aadam (RA):

Almighty Allaah Says (what means):" It is the same [to Him] concerning you whether one conceals [his] speech or one publicizes it and whether one is hidden by night or conspicuous [among others] by day. For him [i.e. each one] are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allaah. Indeed, Allaah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allaah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron." [Quran 13:10-11]

Ibn `Abbaas (RA) has explained that what is meant by "successive angels" is the angels whom Allaah appoints to guard a person from before and from behind. Then when the decree of Allaah comes, which Allaah wills should befall him, they withdraw from him.

Mujaahid (RA) said: "There is no person who does not have an angel appointed to protect him when he is asleep and when he is awake, from the jinn, other men and savage beasts. None of these come to him, but the angel tells it, `Keep away!' except for that which Allaah has given permission to befall him."

A man said to 'Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (RA) : "A group from (the tribe of) Muraad want to kill you." He (`Ali) (RA) said: "With every man there are angels guarding him from whatever has not been decreed for him. When the decree comes, they move away from him and let it reach him. Your, fixed lifespan (decreed by Allaah) is a protection for you." [Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah]

These guardians are sent by Allaah to protect His slaves until the decreed time of death comes to them.

The emissaries of Allaah to His Messengers and Prophets:

Allaah has told us that Jibreel (Gabriel) is the only one who carries out this mission through the verse (which means):"Say [O Muhammad]: 'Whatever is an enemy to Jibreel (Gabriel)-it is [none but] he who has brought it [i.e. the Quran] down upon your heart, by permission of Allaah, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers.'" [Quran 2:97]

Revelation may be brought by angels other than Jibreel, but this happens rarely – as stated in the narration that was narrated by Ibn `Abbaas (RA) who said: "Whilst Jibreel was sitting with the Prophet may Allah exalt his mention, he heard a creaking sound above him, and he May Allah exalt his mention, raised his head. He May Allah exalt his mention, said: 'This is a door in the heaven which has been opened today, and it has never been opened before today, and an angel has come down through it. This is an angel who has come down to the earth, and he never came down before today. He [that angel] gave the greeting of Salaam and said: 'Rejoice, for you have been granted two lights which have not been given to any Prophet before you: the Opening (chapter) of the Book (chapter Al-Faatihah) and the closing verses of chapter Al-Baqarah. You will not read even one letter of them but you will be granted reward."' [Muslim]

According to Huthayfah may Allah exalt his mention, the Messenger of Allaah May Allah exalt his mention, said: "An angel came to me and greeted me with salaam – he came down from the heavens and he had never come down before – and he gave me the glad tidings that Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn would be the leaders of the youth of Paradise, and that Faatimah would be the leader of the women of Paradise."" [Ibn `Asaakir]

Not everyone to whom an angel comes is a Messenger or a Prophet:

Not everyone to whom an angel comes can be counted as a Messenger or a Prophet; this is an illusion. Allaah sent Jibreel to Maryam (Mary), as He sent him to the mother of Ismaa`eel (Ishmael) may Allah exalt his mention, when she ran out of food and drink. (And it is known that neither of them were Prophets).

The companions may Allah exalt his mention, saw Jibreel in the form of a Bedouin. And Allaah sent an angel to that man who visited a brother of his for the sake of Allaah, to tell him that Allaah loved him because he loved his brother... This happened a lot, and the reason was to make a point.

How did the revelation come to the Messenger may Allah exalt his mention,?

Al-Haarith Ibn Hishaam (RA) asked the Messenger may Allah exalt his mention: "O Messenger of Allaah, how does the revelation come to you?"

The Messenger May Allah exalt his mention, said: "Sometimes it comes to me like the ringing of a bell, and that is the hardest for me. Then it departs from me, and I understand what has been said. Sometimes the angel comes to me in the form of a man who speaks to me, and I understand what he says." [Al-Bukhaari]

Jibreel used to come to the Messenger may Allah exalt his mention, in his angelic form. This was difficult for the Messenger may Allah exalt his mention, . At other times Jibreel would change from his angelic form and take on human form, and this was easier for the Messenger may Allah exalt his mention.

The Messenger may Allah exalt his mention, saw Jibreel twice in the form in which Allaah created him:

Three years after the beginning of the Prophetic Mission:

The Messenger of Allaah may Allah exalt his mention said: "Whilst I was walking, I heard a voice from the heavens. I raised my head and saw the angel who had come to me in (the cave of) Hiraa', sitting on a throne between the heavens and the earth. I was scared of him, and I went back (home) and said (to his wife), `Cover me!'" [Al-Bukhaari]

When he was taken up into the heavens (the Ascension)

This occasion was mentioned in chapter An-Najm, where Allaah Says (what means): "(The Quran was) Taught to him (i.e. Muhammad) by one intense in strength [i.e. Jibreel] — One of soundness. And he rose to [his] true form. While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon. Then he approached and descended. And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. And he revealed to His Servant what he revealed [i.e. conveyed]. The heart  did not lie [about] what it saw. So will you dispute with him over what he saw? And he certainly saw him in another descent. At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary — Near it is the Garden of Refuge [i.e. Paradise] — When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it]. The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]." [Quran 53:5-17]

The mission of Jibreel:

The mission of Jibreel is not restricted only to conveying the Revelation from Almighty Allaah. He used to come to the Prophet may Allah exalt his mention, every year in Ramadaan, on every night of that month, to teach him the Quran. According to Ibn `Abbaas (RA) : "The Messenger of Allaah may Allah exalt his mention, was the most generous of people, and he was at his most in generosity during Ramadaan, when he used to meet Jibreel, and he used to meet him every night during Ramadaan, to study the Quran with him. The Messenger of Allaah was more generous in doing good than the strong wind when it blows." [Al-Bukhaari]

His leading the Messenger in prayer:

Jibreel led the Messenger Muhammad may allah exalt his mention,in prayer, so that he could learn the prayer as Allaah wanted it to be performed. According to Ibn Mas'ood (RA) the Messenger may Allah exalt his mention, said: "Jibreel came down and led me in prayer, so I prayed with him, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him" — and he counted them off on his fingers five times." [Al-Bukhaari]

The Messenger may Allah exalt his mention, said: "Jibreel led me in prayer at the Ka'bah twice. He led me in praying Thuhr (noon prayer) when the sun had passed its zenith by the length of a sandal-thong, and he led me in praying Asr (afternoon prayer) when the shadow of every object was the same length as the object itself. He led me — praying Maghrib (sunsert prayer)— at the time when the fasting person breaks his fast. He led me in praying 'Ishaa' (night prayer) when the twilight had ended. And he led me in praying Fajr (dawn prayer) at the time when food and drink become Haraam (forbidden) for the one who is fasting.

On the following day, he led me in praying Thuhr when the shadow of an object was the same length as the object itself. He led me in praying 'Asr when the shadow of an object was twice as long as the object itself. He led me in praying Maghrib at the time when the fasting person breaks his fast. He led me in praying 'Ishaa' when a third of the night had passed. And he led me in praying Fajr when there was a fair amount of light. Then he turned to me and said: `O Muhammad, these are the times (observed by) the Prophets before you, and the time (for each prayer) is anywhere between these two times (mentioned in each case). "' [Abu Daawood]

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IBLIS WAS NOT AN ANGEL

Iblees was definitely not one of the angels. This is
indicated by three things: the clear texts of the Qur'aan,
the physical attributes of Iblees and the attitude of
Iblees. 

1 - With regard to the clear statements of the Qur'aan,
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And (remember) when We said to the angels: 'Prostrate
yourselves unto Adam.' So they prostrated themselves
except Iblees (Satan). He was one of the jinn"

[al-Kahf 18:50]

Al-Hasan al-Basri said: Iblees was never one of the
angels, not even for an instant. He is the father of the
jinn, just as Adam (peace be upon him) is the father of
mankind.

This was narrated by al-Tabari with a saheeh isnaad as
stated by Ibn Katheer in his Tafseer, 3/89.

2 - With regard to his physical attributes, Allaah stated
that He created him from fire. Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning):

"He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of
pottery.

And the jinn He created from a smokeless flame of fire"

[al-Rahmaan 55:14, 15]

and it was narrated in Saheeh Muslim (2996) from the
hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "The angels were created from light, the jinn were
created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from
that which has been described to you."

So it is clear that there is a difference between the
physical nature of the angels and that of Iblees, and he
is definitely not one of them.

3 - With regard to his attitude, Iblees disobeyed Allaah
by not prostrating to Adam, but we know from the Qur'aan
that it is impossible for the angels to disobey Allaah.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

".angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from
executing) the Commands they receive from Allaah, but do
that which they are commanded"

[al-Tahreem 66:6]

Some reports which are not saheeh have been narrated from
some of the salaf, suggesting that Iblees was the best of
the angels, that he was one of the keepers of Paradise,
etc. Imaam Ibn Katheer commented on that by saying:

Many reports to that effect have been narrated from the
salaf, but most of them come from the Isra'eeliyyaat
(reports narrated from Jewish sources) which were narrated
to be examined. Allaah knows best about the true status of
many of them. There are some which can be rejected out of
hand because they go against the truth that we have before
us. In the Qur'aan there is sufficient information that we
have no need of earlier reports, because hardly any of
them are free from alterations, additions and
subtractions, and many things have been fabricated in
them. The earlier nations did not have scholars to examine
these reports and eliminate those which are not sound, as 
this ummah has its imams and scholars who have great
knowledge and are pious and righteous, who wrote down the
hadeeth and examined it and showed what is sound and what
is not, and what is fabricated, identifying the
fabricators, liars and those narrators who were unknown,
and other categories of narrators. All of that was to
protect the status of the Prophet, the Seal of the
Prophets and the leader of mankind (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him), lest any lie be attributed to him and
lest anything be attributed to him that he did not say or
do. May Allaah be pleased with them and make them please
and make the Paradise of al-Firdaws their abode.

Tafseer al-Qur'aan il-'Azeem, 3/90.

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The Differences Between the Actions of the Angels and Those
of the Evil Jinn

The angels glorify their Lord and ask forgiveness for the
Believers in this world and advise us to do good and
refrain from wickedness, while the devils are the deceivers
of mankind, leading them astray, making the evil seem good
to them and the good appear evil - it is their task in life
to persuade us to deviate from the path ordained for us by
Allah (swt), Most Merciful. They work for our downfall and
our destruction and damnation in the Hell-fire; Allah (swt)
says:

" Verily, We made the devils helpers and protectors for
those who disbelieve:" (Qur'an 7:27)

The angels encourage us to do good deeds, while the devils
encourage us to sin; Allah (swt) says:

" And whoever turns away from the remembrance of the Most
Beneficent [i.e. the Quran and the worship of Allah] We
appoint for him a devil to be an intimate companion for
him." (Qur'an 43:36)

So whoever rejects the Qur'an and the remembrance of Allah
(swt) will be punished by his Lord, Who will appoint for
him a devil as a companion. He, Most Glorified, Most High
(swt) says:

" And verily, they [the devils] hinder them from the path
[of Allah] but they think that they are guided aright! Till
one comes to Us, he says to his companion [the
devil]: "Would that between you and me were the distance of
the two easts [or the east and west]." - the worst [type
of] companion, indeed!" (Qur'an 43: 37-38)

And nothing can protect mankind from the devils except the
remembrance of Allah (swt) drives the devils away from the
believer and draws the angels towards him. This is why
Allah (swt) refers to the devil as:

" the whisperer [who whispers evil in the hearts of men],
who withdraws [from his whispering after one remembers
Allah]." (Qur'an 114:4-5)

Bukhari reports, on the authority of Abu Hurairah (ra),
that Allah's Messenger (saas) said:

" The Fire is surrounded by all kinds of desires and
passions, while Paradise is surrounded by all kinds of
disliked and undesirable things."


There are angels who go around the earth, seeking out
circles of believers, who sit in remembrance of Allah (swt)
and when they see such circles, they call to each other,
saying: "Let us go to that which you love! [i.e. the
remembrance of Allah (swt)]."

Remembrance of Allah (swt) is of several types: (i)
recitation of the Qur'an, (ii) praying, (iii) by praising
Him, seeking His forgiveness, making takbeer 1 and
testifying to the Oneness of Allah (swt). Those who attend
classes for the recitation of the Qur'an, those who study
Islaamic sciences (Qur'an, hadeeth, fiqh, etc.) are
attended by the angels.

Those who indulge their vain desires, such as playing music
and gambling (playing cards, dice etc.) are surrounded by
devils, while the angels stay away from them. Those who
hang pictures (of people or animals) in their houses
prevent the angels from entering their homes, as confirmed
by many authentic hadeeth reported by Bukhari, Muslim and
others.

Belief in the angels has a great and beneficial effect on
the life of man: He guards himself against temptation, for
he knows the angels are watching him and recording his
every action day and night. One might hide his actions from
other men, but there is no way to hide from the recording
angels. Allah (swt) says:

" But verily, over you are appointed watchers, honourable
[in Allah's sight], writing down [your deeds], they know
all that you do." (Qur'an 82:10-12)

Allah (swt) has pointed this out for us, that we may take
care that our actions are good and praiseworthy rather than
evil and reprehensible. Nothing is hidden from Allah (swt);
He (swt) says:

" There is no human being but has a protector over him
[i.e. angels in charge of each human being, writing his
good and bad deeds etc.]" (Qur'an 86:4)

And:

" And We are nearer to Him than his jugular vein [by Our
Knowledge]." (Qur'an 50:16)

The Jugular veins are situated on either side of the neck
and carry returning blood from the brain to the heart. This
saying of Allah (swt) is like His Words:

" He is the First [nothing is before Him] and the Last
[nothing is after Him], the Most High [nothing is above
Him] and the Most Near [nothing is nearer than He] and He
is the Knower of everything." (Qur'an 57:3)

So nothing is hidden from Allah (swt), the Almighty, the
All-powerful, on land, sea, behind closed doors, in the
desert, in the market place, in the mosque, meeting places
for vain entertainments, such as the theatre, the cinema,
night-clubs, ballrooms, etc. - wherever you are, Allah
(swt) sees you, He knows what you are doing and what you
are thinking. That is why the Prophet (saas) when asked by
Jibreel (as), said:

" Ihsaan is to worship Allah (swt) as though you see Him,
because although you do not see Him, He sees you."
(Narrated by Bukhari)

When a person feels that the angels are watching him, and
he knows that Allah (swt) says:

" For We are nearer to him than his jugular vein [by Our
Knowledge]. Behold, two Receivers are appointed to receive
him, seated on the right hand and on the left. He utters no
word but there is with him an observer, ready." (Qur'an
50:16-18)

And:

" Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their
private counsels? Indeed [We do]! and Our Messengers [the
angels] are by them, to record." (Qur'an 43:80)

So Allah (swt) hears our secrets and our private counsels
and the angels record them. Knowing about the angels is not
simply a matter of accepting their existence, but that we
may also remind ourselves that they are present, recording
our deeds, both good and bad, and that we may reflect on
their duties, such as their guardianship of the Hell-fire,
and thus fear the torment visited upon the disbelievers and
the sinners, or their destruction, at Allah's Command, of
former peoples who disobeyed their Lord, and haply we may
avoid the same fate by obeying Allah (swt) His Messenger
(saas). We also remember them because we are obliged to
love these faithful servants of Allah (swt), because He
loves them. They are, in the Words of our Rabb, All-High
says:

" Noble, pious." (Qur'an 80:16)

It is also most important that we understand their
abilities, their place in the order of creation, for it is
only by knowing these things that we may truly love them
and fear the punishments which they bring in Allah's Name.
As for those who oppose or hate the angels, Allah (swt)
says about them:

" Whosoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His
Messengers, to Jibreel and Meekaal, [should know that]
verily, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers." (Qur'an
2:98)

It is plain from this verse that those who are enemies to
the angels are indeed disbelievers, even though they may
claim to be Muslims.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that what has preceded has
demonstrated clearly that belief in the angels is a
fundamental tenet of faith, and that it entails knowing and
understanding them, loving them-for Allah (swt) loves
them -
 and conducting our lives in obedience to Allah (swt) and
His Messenger (saas) in the certain knowledge that the
angels are recording our deeds, both good and bad, and that
we will be held accountable for them on the Day of
Resurrection. Finally, we ask Allah (swt) that He guide us
all to the Straight Path and keep us firm upon it.

" Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error;
our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You laid
on those before us; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden
greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins,
and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our
Protector, so grant us victory over the disbelieving
people." (Qur'an 2:286)

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ARTICLE OF FAITH - BELIEF IN ANGELS

 These are beings of a different nature from man. While man
is created from soil, they are created from light.1 And
thus human beings - except Prophets - cannot see them in
their original nature, but may see them if they take a
physical form. Our knowledge of them is therefore almost
entirely based on What God and His Prophets tell us about
them. But why should we bother to know about them? Because
they play a very big role in conducting our affair. To know
about them could perhaps be said to be useful to us in the
same manner as knowledge of the working of natural causes
and other people's behavior is useful.

    We are told that these almost innumerable beings who
are extremely powerful are created in such a way that they
always obey and never go against Divine commands, and
continuously serve and never tire of serving the Lord.2

    But in spite of this they are - as a species - in a
lower degree than the human species, and this is symbolized
in the fact that when Adam was created they were ordered to
prostrate themselves before him as a sign of greeting and
respect. Verse 70 of Soorah al-Israa, has been given by
some as evidence of the fact that the human species is
better than the species of angels.3

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Here are some of their activities in connection with
human beings:

    Their main task, the one from which their name is
derived, is that of conveying God's messages to His chosen
prophets. This great honor is assigned mainly to their
leader Gabriel (or Jibreel as the name is pronounced in
Arabic).

"A noble messenger having power, with the Lord of the
Throne, secure, obeyed there (in heaven) and trustworthy."4

    A message carried by beings of such a nature is sure to
reach its destination intact. They attend to and watch over
us. They keep a record of our good and bad deeds, and never
a word we mention passes without being registered by them,
either for or against us.5

    They play a role in the causation and happening of
seemingly purely natural phenomena, like wind and rain and
death.6

    And to them is assigned the role of helping the
believers to the extent of fighting on their side in times
of war,7 and of protecting them,8 and praying for them.

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What are angels?

Angels are 'spiritual', non-material beings who put God's
commands and laws into action in this world. They have
no 'will' of their own, unlike man, and are intermediaries
between God and the world.

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What do angels look like?

As angels are not physical beings, they cannot be seen by
man's eye. So this question does not arise. However,
Prophets of God and other righteous persons can 'see'
angels on occasions, but it is with their spiritual (or
mind's) eyes, in dreams and visions.

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What functions do angels perform?

These are of two kinds: their functions in the physical
world, and their functions in the spiritual development of
man. In the physical world, the working of nature is
governed by laws, as science has shown by discovering many
of these laws. Islam teaches that these laws have been
devised by God, and the angels - the obeying functionaries
of God - put them into action. On the spiritual side, the
angels communicate God's revelation to the Prophets and
other righteous ones, bring comfort and strength to the
hearts of true believers, and inspire noble thoughts in the
minds of all persons. They do this, of course, by acting
through the spiritual senses of human beings, not their
physical senses like the eyes or ears.

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Why are angels necessary to bring God's messages to man?

Just as light is needed as a medium for our eyes to see
things, and air is needed to carry sound to our ears,
similarly an agency is required to activate our spiritual
senses. The angels are that agency. They bring God's
messages to the 'inner' eyes and ears of righteous people,
and also cast good and noble thoughts into the 'hearts' of
all people. But it is only the righteous who, because of
their highly­developed spiritual senses, may be able to
perceive the working of angels.

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Is there any other important point Islam tells us about
angels?

A most important point disclosed in the Holy Quran is that
mankind has been given by God the ability to acquire
knowledge of all things in the universe. The Quran further
tells us that the angels, who put God's laws into action in
the world, submit to man because of his great knowledge. In
other words, man can use his knowledge of the laws of
nature to control the world. So the Holy Quran disclosed
many centuries ago that man can make the greatest progress
in science and technology, because the angels, the agencies
who automatically put God's laws into action in the running
of the world, all submit to man.

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Is there a key significance of belief in angels?

As stated earlier, every belief in Islam requires a Muslim
to do something practical and positive, and belief in
angels means that we should follow our good impulses and
reject the bad ones. The Holy Quran also says that there
exist 'devils' which put low, selfish thoughts in man's
mind. However, even though they exist, the Quran does not
require a Muslim to 'believe' in the devils, but in fact to
disbelieve in them. This shows that in Islam 'belief' does
not just mean believing in the heart but also acting in
accordance with the belief

Belief in the angels is the second pillar of faith.
"The Messenger believes in that which has been revealed to
him from his Lord, and [so do] the believers. All believe
in Allah, His angels and His messengers." [2 (Al-Baqarah),
285]

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What are angels?
Angels are invisible beings created from light. On the
authority of `A'ishah : The Messenger of Allah sallallahu
alayhe wa sallam said, "Angels were created from light,
jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created
from that which has been described to you [in the Qur'an]."
(Related by Muslim) They do not have desires of their own,
nor do they eat or drink. They are honored servants of
Allah, and never disobey Him. They are perpetually in His
service, in prostration, in a standing posture, or through
various other forms of worship. "And those who are before
Him are not scornful of worshipping Him, nor do they tire
or get bored. They glorify [Him] night and day; they do not
halt." [21 (Al-Anbiya'), 19-20] "They are honored servants,
who do not precede Him in speech, and they act according to
His command. He knows what is ahead of them and what is
behind them, and they do not intercede, except for those
whom He approves. [21 (Al-Anbiya'), 26-27]

They have wings : "Praise be to Allah, the Originator of
the heavens and the earth, the creator of angels having
wings - two, three or four." [35 (Al-Fatir), 1] However, we
should not try to guess the nature or form of these wings.
Certainly, there is no basis in Islam for the corrupt
notion, prevalent in the West, that angels are like
beautiful little girls with a pair of wings on their backs.
We should be careful that our children are not exposed to
those books which contain such misleading pictures, so that
they do not grow up with an incorrect concept of angels. No
gender is attributed to angels, nor do they procreate.
Allah has denounced those who regard them as females.
Indeed, to do so is the way of the disbelievers. "Those who
do not believe in the Hereafter surely call the angels with
female appellations." [53 (Al-Najm), 27] The pagan Arabs,
for example, called the angels daughters of Allah, in spite
of the fact they themselves were disdainful of female
offspring, and were so ashamed of them that they were
inclined to bury their daughters alive. "Or, has He taken,
out of that which He [Himself] created, daughters, and
honored you with sons?! And, when one of them receives
tidings of that which he sets up as a likeness to [Allah]
Most Gracious, his face becomes black, and he is full of
rage. . . . And they consider the angels, who are
worshippers of Allah, to be females. Did they witness their
creation?! Their testimony shall be recorded, and they will
be asked."[43 (Al-Zukhruf), 16,17,19]

Prophets can see angels in their natural form. `A'ishah has
narrated that the Prophet twice saw Gabriel in his natural
form. (Related by Bukhari) However, ordinary human beings
(i.e. non-prophets) cannot see them unless they take on a
visible form. Angels can indeed materialize, and when they
do so it is in a pleasant form, such as a handsome man. An
example of this is found in the Qur'an [11(Hud), 69-83],
where Allah sent angels to firstly give Prophet Abraham
alayhis salam glad tidings of a son, and then to assist the
Prophet Lot alayhis salam. Lot's people, being homosexuals,
lusted after these angels, but the Allah destroyed the
depraved sinners. Also in the Qur'an [19 (Maryam), 17-21]
is the incident in which the angel Gabriel came to Mary,
the mother of Jesus alayhimas salam to inform her that she
would miraculously give birth to Jesus. And, in the sunnah,
we have the Gabriel hadith, in which Gabriel came to the
Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam in the form of a man,
and asked him about Islam, Iman and Ihsan. This was done in
public view, and its purpose was to teach the people about
their religion. (Related by Muslim)

Angels have various duties, with each having a well-defined
role. "And there is not any among us, except that he has a
known position. And we are indeed the ones who are arranged
in ranks [for prayer]. And we are indeed the ones who
glorify [Allah]." [37 (As-Saaffaat), 164-166] They thus
serve as role models for us, teaching us that
specialization leads to greater efficiency. So, in the
Islamic society, some must specialize in the Qur'an and its
sciences, some in hadith science, others in medicine, still
others in agriculture and so on and so forth, so that the
Muslim community is efficient and well-balanced. Similarly,
in the home, the responsibilities are divided. While the
man is responsible primarily for financially supporting the
family, the woman has an important role in the upbringing
of the children, although she is by no means confined to
only taking care of the children.

Only Allah knows all the details and roles of all the
angels : "And none know the hosts of your Lord except He."
[74 (Al-Muddath-thir), 31] but He has told us about some of
these through the Qur'an and sunnah.

Gabriel is the most distinguished of the angels, and is
entrusted with carrying revelation to prophets. This
included bringing the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad sallallahu
alayhe wasallam, which is referred to in the
following: "And it is surely the revelation of the Lord of
the Worlds. The trusted spirit has brought it down to your
heart, in order that you might be one of the warners, in
clear Arabic speech." [26 (Ash-Shu`araa'), 192-195] Gabriel
is also called "the Holy Spirit", as mentioned in the
Qur'an. "And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs, and
supported him with the Holy Spirit." [2(Al-Baqarah), 253]
Michael is entrusted with the sustenance of creatures, and
is also one of the most prominent angels.

It is disbelief to have hate or animosity towards any of
the angels. Similarly, it is disbelief to curse them. Some
wretched, ignorant individuals curse the angel of death
when they are angry. It is obligatory, and in fact an
essential part of faith, to respect all of the angels, and
particularly Gabriel and Michael. Some Jews once came to
the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam and told him that
they had five questions for him, which were such that if he
were to answer them all satisfactorily, they would follow
him. The Prophet answered the first four to their
satisfaction, and then they asked the final question; they
said, "There is not any prophet except that he has an angel
[assigned to him] who brings him news [from Allah], so tell
us, who is your companion?" The Prophet sallallahu alayhe
wa sallam replied, "Gabriel, alayhissalam." They
said, "That is the one who brings down war, fighting and
punishment; our enemy. If only you had said Michael, who
brings down mercy, rain and vegetation, it would have been
[that we follow you]!" Then, Allah revealed a reply. "Say :
Who is an enemy to Gabriel? For, it is he who has brought
it down to your heart, by Allah's leave, confirming that
which was before it, and as a guidance and a mercy to the
believers. Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and [to] His
angels, and [to] His messengers, and [in particular to]
Gabriel and Michael, then [let him know that] Allah is an
enemy to the disbelievers." [2 (Al-Baqarah), 97-98]
(Related by Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Nasa'i)

Every human being has two angels who accompany him and
record his deeds. The generous one records his good deeds,
and is so named because each good deed is rewarded ten
times over or even more. The recorder of evil deeds is
called simply the recorder, because each evil deed counts
only onefold. "And, indeed, there are over you scribes,
generous and recording. They know what you do." [82 (Al-
Infitaar), 10-12] These angels record our deeds, words and
thoughts. "He utters not any word except that there is with
him an observer, ready." [50 (Qaaf), 18] The system for
recording of deeds is detailed in the Hadith Qudsi,
narrated by `Abdullah ibn `Abbas : The Messenger of Allah
sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said, regarding that which he
narrates from his Lord, the Possessor of Blessings, the
Exalted, "Indeed, Allah has defined the good and the evil
deeds, and then explained them. So, whoever had the thought
to do a good deed, but did not do it, Allah writes it for
him as a complete good deed, while if he [actually] did it,
Allah writes it for him as ten good deeds, [or] upto seven
hundred fold, [or] upto [even] many times [more over]. And,
if he had the thought to do an evil deed, but [dispelled
the thought and] did not do it, Allah writes it for him as
a complete good deed, while if he [entertained the thought
and] acted on it, Allah writes it as a single evil deed."
(Related by Bukhari and Muslim)

In addition to the recording angels, we have with us other
angels who protect us from whatever evil Allah wills to
save us from. "He has a succession of angels in front of
him and behind him, who guard him by Allah's command." [13
(Ar-Ra`d), 11] The succession of angels referred to here is
clarified by a hadith, narrated by Bukhari and Muslim,
which tells us that the angels of the day and the angels of
the night succeed one another, meaning that they perform
their duty in shifts. At the time of the dawn (Fajr) and
`Asr prayers, both the angels of the night and the angels
of the day are present. Then, the angels of the night
ascend, and their Lord asks them, although He is the All-
Knowing, "How did you leave my servants?" They say, "We
came to them while they were praying, and we left them
while they were praying." The Fajr prayer, then, is of
special blessing, and we should take great care to perform
it on time, and to recite long portions of the Qur'an,
for "indeed, the recitation of Fajr is witnessed." [17 (Al-
Israa), 78] i.e. it is witnessed by the angels of the night
and the angels of the day. The protecting angels only leave
us when we answer the call of nature and when we are have
conjugal relations, and so we should recite the appropriate
supplications from the sunnah prior to performing these
acts. Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog
or pictures (of animate beings). (Related by Bukhari and
Muslim)

The angel of death is entrusted with taking the souls of
all creatures in the universe. [32 (Al-Sajdah), 11] There
are angels who torture wrongdoers at the time of death. "If
only you could see, when the angels take the souls of those
who disbelieve, [the angels are] beating their faces and
their backs." [8 (Al-Anfaal), 50] Munkar and Nakeer are the
two angels in charge of questioning people in their graves
about their faith. Israfil will blow the Horn to mark the
end of this world. There are angels who watch over Heaven
and Hell. The custodian of heaven is named Ridwaan, while
Maalik is the custodian of Hell. Hell has nineteen angels
who watch over it. [74 (Al-Muddath-thir), 30] There are
angels who welcome the believers into heaven, greeting them
with peace. [13 (Ar-Ra`d), 23-24] Eight angels will carry
the `Arsh, which is Allah's greatest creation, on the Day
of Judgement. [40 (Al-Haaqqah), 7]

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Belief in Angels of Allah

Religious history has recorded several instances where
Angels appeared in the form of pleasant-looking men to
certain individuals, including Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),
Maryam (mother of Prophet Jesus Christ), Ibraheem (a.s.)
and Prophet Lot; and also to communities, such as the
inhabitants of the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Neither male nor female, these intelligent beings do not
eat, drink, sleep nor have desires. They are created from
light (noor) and in such a way that they always obey and
never go against Divine commands and never tire of serving
Almighty Allah. For Muslims, this Article of Faith
stipulates that they must believe in the Angels, whose
population is infinite. This command is contained in the
Qur'anic verse:

"Uprightness is not to turn your faces towards east or
west, but uprightness is to believe in Allah (SWT) and the
Last Day, the angels, the Book and the Prophets,.." [Al-
Baqarah: 177]

Names of few of the angels and their brief description is
mentioned below:

Jibreel: To deliver the Divine Revelations from Allah
Almighty to His chosen Messengers from among the Prophets.
Mikaaeel: To manage man's mundane necessities, bring forth
rain and oversee the cultivation of crops.
Israafeel: To blow the Trumpet: once, for the destruction
of the universe; and again, for the Resurrection of all
accountable beings to face Judgment Day.
Izraaeel: Angel of Death, the most fearsome of them all,
who does not delay nor expedite the hour of claiming the
soul.

Apart from the above ten, there are numerous other angels
whose duties are:

1. To carry the throne of Allah
2. To glorify Allah and to continuously prostrate to Him
3. To beg forgiveness from Allah for believers and those
who have repented.
4. To beg for goodness for those human beings doing good
deeds, and to beg for the destruction of those reluctant to
donate a portion of their wealth in the way of goodness
5. To say Ameen (Amen) together with those praying to Allah
in congregation
6. To take turn guarding humans all day and night, with the
changing of the guard occurring in the late afternoon and
at dawn.

In a hadeeth (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad - pbuh)
narrated by Aishah, Prophet Muhammad said:

"The Angels are created from light, the Jinn from the
burning fire, and Adam from what has been expounded to you
(i.e. fashioned out of clay)." [Muslim]

Although man is created from clay and Angels from light,
the Qur'an categorically states that Man is the 'jewel of
creation'. Evidence of this is seen in the following
Qur'anic verse:

"Verily, We created man of the best stature (mould)" [At-
Teen: 4]

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CELESTIAL BEINGS

The theme of angels has suddenly commanded the attention of
the news media and countless individual's worldwide. Books
being published about Angels have exceeded (5) five million
copies. The reported stories about angelic intervention
spans the world.  Everything about Angels depicts them as being
beautiful and having wings, rare and yet familiar. In the
Holy Quran we read; "Praise be to Allah who made angels
with wings two, three and four pairs."

Many People have reported as having had an encounter with
an angel or angels. Belief in Angels as being celestial
beings is not of recent origin. The belief in angels is
evident in all-major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam. Also in Buddhism, Hinduism and Zoroastrianism.

In Islam, the belief in angels is a cardinal article of
Faith.  Angels are seen as being servants of Allah (God). They are
created of light and act as intermediaries between Allah
(God) and His creation. We cannot fully comprehend the true
nature of angels and their being able to materialize in the form
of human beings, but there are many reported traditions that
relate to their having being seen as humans. At the time of the
creation of Adam, they were commanded by Allah (God) to prostrate
before Adam. Not being possessed of a free will, they all
obediently prostrated. Their prostration was a sign of obedience to
Allah (God) and respect to Adam. {Behold! We said to the
angels, "Bow down to Adam": they bowed down except Iblis. He was one of
the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord"}.
The report prevalent in the Judeo-Christian religion is
that one, Iblis (Satan) did not prostrate and has since been termed a
fallen Angel. This term is not accepted in Islam, as there
are no fallen Angels. The Quran is quite clear on this point.

Iblis (Satan) was not an angel, but was one of the Jinns,
who possessed a free will. He was possessed of a fiery and an
arrogant nature, puffed up with pride. When questioned by
Allah (God) as to why he did not also prostrate, he said
that as Jinns, "I am better than he is: Thou did create me
of (smokeless) fire and him from the earth (clay)." His
arrogant attitude led to his being eventually expelled from
heaven.

There are in creation Archangels, with countless Angels
under their respective command being: Jibril (Gabriel), Mika'IL
(Michael), Israfrl, Ezrail, and Malik.

Blessed indeed is the Night of Power when God's mercy
descends, through the medium of His angels and the Spirit (Gabriel)
bringing the message of Mercy, the Holy Quran.  The night
of spiritual darkness is dissipated, peace and blessings
descends upon the human hearts and souls, Peace reigns supreme as
the darkness of ignorance is replaced by the spiritual dawn of
a glorious new day.

In the Holy Quran we read: {In the name of Allah, Most
Gracious, Most Merciful}.

"We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of
Power.  And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is.
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Therein come down the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) by
Allah's permission on every errand: Peace! It is, until the rise of the Dawn."

The one specific Archangel mentioned in the Scriptures is
Jibril (Gabrial), the conveyor of the divine message to all
the prophets to whom he was sent by Allah (God). He
conveyed and inspired the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH
even as he conveyed and inspired .the Gospel to Jesus PBUH, the
Tawrah (Torah) to Moses PBUH and he inspired the book and
wisdom to Abraham.

We are reminded of that modest Jewish girl Mariam (Mary),
whose life was completely changed by the message which the Angel
Gabriel, did bring to her, being that she would give birth
to a son who would be called Essa (Jesus).

Mika'IL (Michael) is the Archangel of Justice and Israfil,
the Archangel of the Trumpet Call, who will call all the
people to the court of Allah (God) on the Day of Judgment.

Ezrail (* There is a lack of evidence for this name Survivorsareus.com), the Archangel of Death, who will order the assigned
Angels to take an individual's soul at a time specified by
Allah (God). He has countless Angels under his command.

Archangel Malik is assigned as the guardian of the gates of
hell. {They will cry: "O Malik! Would that thy Lord put an
end to us!" he will say, "Nay, but ye shall abide!".}

There are "guardian angels" which are assigned to every
human being and who is guarded according to Allah's (God's)
command.  "Verily over you (are appointed Angels) to protect you."
Behold, two (recording angels) appointed to learn 'his doings'
Learn 'and note them', One sitting on the right and one on
the left". These two recording angels

Rakeeb and Ateed (There is a lack of evidence for these names Survivorsareus.com). One is on the right and one on the left
side of every individual. The one on the right records every
good deed performed by the individual, and enters a credit of
 ten points. The one on the left records every misdeed. He
however hesitates to write for some time in the hope that the
individual will repent and seek forgiveness. Failing to repent, the
angel reluctantly records a debit of  l one point. The ratio is
ten to one, which indicates the mercy of Allah (God).

On the Day of Judgment these two Angels will present the
individual with a copy of their records, being their good
deeds and their bad deeds.

Also among the angels, there are two angels Munkar and
Nakir.  These angels are in charge of questioning the people in the
grave. And they will show them heaven and hell.

Moreover, the angel Ridwan (* There is lack of evidence for this name Survivorsareus.com)  is the custodian of the Garden
(Paradise) as stated in Hadiths.  In addition to this, Harut-and Marut are two Angels who came down upon Babylon, warning the inhabitants of their evil
ways.  The people at this time were delving into the pseudo-
science of  astrology, practicing magic, witchcraft, wizardry and other
deceiving practices. Myths abounded, having been fabricated
by Satan and his minions. They taught people magic claiming
that Sulayman (AS) (Solomon) was a sorcerer who practiced
sorcery; but Allah absolved Solomon of this false
allegation.  He was a true believer and never taught magic. It was the
Satan,  who taught the people so "They followed (believing) what
the evil  ones gave out falsely against the power of Solomon: the
blasphemers were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching
the people magic".

The two angels were fully aware of the conniving of Satan.
They did not withhold knowledge. They explained the difference
between true science and pseudo-science. They also warned the
inhabitants that knowledge could be destructive in the hands of the
evil person.

The Holy Quran points out that Allah assured that the two
Angels were aware of the inhabitants practicing sorcery and magic.
There was no sin in their discussing this evil practice; but the
angels warned the inhabitants, "We are only a trial, so don't
commit blasphemy ". Those who study the science and use it for the
good of humanity will be blessed, while those who use it in an
evil way not only harm their own souls, but humanity in general.

Angels are ever present in the mosques recording the
prayers of the faithful and will testify at the Day of Judgment. There
are countless Angels who are constantly praying to Allah (God)
and asking that He forgive the believing people.

"Those who sustain the throne of Allah (God) and those
around it sing glory and Praise to their Lord, believe in Him and
implore forgiveness for those who believe: our Lord! Thy Reach is
over all things. In Mercy and knowledge forgive, then, those who
turn in Repentance, and follow Thy Path, and preserve them from
the Penalty of the Blazing Fire!" "And grant our Lord! That they enter
the Gardens of Eternity, which thou have promised to them, and
to the  righteous among their fathers, their wives, and their
posterity!  For Thou art (He), the Exalted in Might full of wisdom."

It has been recorded that Iblis, (Diabolis) is the Satan
whose followers or progeny are considered among the evil Jinns.
The Quran and the Hadiths describe the Jinns as invisible
spirits, created of smokeless fire. Like the human creation, they
possess a free- will. They may believe or disbelieve, accept or
reject, lead to the good or to the evil ways.

In the Quran, we read that Allah (God) questioned the
angels "Was it you that these men used to worship." They proclaimed
their dependence on Allah (God) and they denied ever encouraging
that they be worshipped. They also added that many men and women
(practicing sorcery) worshipped not the angels but the evil
Jinns.  Responding to the force of evil which lies hidden in their
hearts and in their surroundings.

We also read that a group of the Jinns overheard the
Prophet Muhammad P B U H reciting verses from the Holy Quran. They
returned to their fellow Jinns giving the 'Good News'.
Finally, we can conclude that there are among the Jinns, and among
the humans, those who are believers and those who are
disbelievers.  {Behold, We turned towards thee a company of Jinns
(quietly)  listening to the Quran: when they stood in the presence
therefore, they said, 'Listen in silence!' When the (reading) was
finished, they returned to their people, to warn (them of their
sins)}.  Every man and woman has an associate from among the angels,
who inspires them to good and noble actions, and an associate
from among the Jinns who incites in them their base passions to
commit sinful acts.

The evil Jinns are always seeking to mislead mankind. "They
who whispers into the hearts of mankind. Among the (good) Jinns
and among mankind". Men and women are required to keep their
passions under control at all times and to resist the Jinn's evil
prompting.  When men or women succeed in over coming the urge to commit
evil acts, the Jinns are brought into subjection and actually
assists commanding nothing but good. The will power of the human
being when it is used in the right way will enable all men and
women to overcome there base passions. They would bring
themselves near to Allah (God). Men would be able to plan, initiate
and perform the tasks that are assigned them as vicegerents of
Allah (God).

People who have had an encounter with an angel or a Jinn
are reluctant to discuss their experience fearing that they
would be ridiculed; however, there are many people who have
reported an angelic experience.

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WHAT BELIEF IN ANGELS MEAN

The angels form an unseen world; they were created by
Allaah from light and they obey the commands of Allaah:

"who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they
receive from Allaah, but do that which they are commanded"

[al-Tahreem 66:6 - interpretation of the meaning]

Belief in the angels implies four essential things:

1 - Affirming that they exist and that they are part of the
creation of Allaah, subject to His Lordship and subjugated
to Him.

".honoured slaves.

They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His
Command"

[al-Anbiya' 21:26-27 - interpretation of the meaning]

"who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they
receive from Allaah, but do that which they are commanded"

[al-Tahreem 66:6 - interpretation of the meaning]

"And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too
proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship).

They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Praises night and day,
(and) they never slacken (to do so)"

[al-Anbiya' 21:19-20 - interpretation of the meaning]

2 - Belief in the names of those whose name we know, such
as Jibreel, Mikaa'eel, Israafeel, Maalik, Radwaan and
others - peace be upon them.

3 - Belief in the attributes of those whose attributes we
know, as we know the description of Jibreel from the
Sunnah, and that he has six hundred wings which filled the
horizon or the sky.

4 - Belief in t