Angels

Definition

In Islamic belief, angels are supernatural beings created by Allah from light, who serve as His messengers and agents. They play a crucial role in the faith, participating in various aspects of the divine plan and human existence. Angels are recognized as beings that do not possess free will and always obey Allah's commands, reinforcing the importance of submission to divine will in Islam.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Angels are considered a fundamental aspect of the Six Articles of Faith in Islam, emphasizing belief in their existence and roles.
2. Each person is believed to have guardian angels assigned to them, who record their deeds and protect them throughout life.
3. Angels do not have physical forms like humans; they exist in a spiritual realm and can take on different appearances when necessary.
4. Some angels, like Israfil, are tasked with specific duties such as blowing the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment.
5. Angels are frequently mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, highlighting their significance in Islamic theology and eschatology.

Review Questions

• How do angels function within the framework of Islamic belief, particularly in relation to human beings?
  • In Islamic belief, angels serve as intermediaries between Allah and humanity. They are responsible for delivering divine messages, protecting individuals, and recording their actions. Each person has guardian angels who watch over them, ensuring that they fulfill their purpose according to Allah's plan. This relationship illustrates the broader theme of submission to divine will and the interconnectedness of spiritual beings and humans in Islam.
• Discuss the significance of Jibril in relation to other angels and his role within Islamic teachings.
  • Jibril (Gabriel) holds a prominent position among angels as the chief messenger of Allah. He is primarily known for delivering revelations to prophets, including significant communications to Muhammad that constitute the Quran. Jibril's role underscores the importance of receiving guidance from Allah through chosen individuals. In comparison to other angels, his unique task highlights the connection between divine messages and their impact on human understanding and faith.
• Evaluate the theological implications of angels' obedience to Allah and how this contrasts with the concept of Iblis in Islamic teachings.
  • Angels' absolute obedience to Allah exemplifies the ideal state of submission that Muslims aspire to achieve. Their inability to disobey Allah reinforces the concept of divine authority in Islam. In contrast, Iblis represents the opposite of this ideal; he was once an angel but chose to rebel against Allah's command, illustrating the complexity of free will versus obedience. This contrast serves as a theological lesson about the consequences of defiance against divine will and emphasizes the importance of following Allah's guidance as exemplified by angels.

Related terms

Jibril (Gabriel): The archangel responsible for delivering revelations from Allah to prophets, including the Quran's verses to Muhammad.

Malaika: The Arabic word for angels, which emphasizes their nature as messengers of Allah and their role in spiritual and earthly affairs.

Iblis: A figure often considered a fallen angel or jinn who disobeyed Allah's command to bow to Adam, representing the concept of free will versus obedience.