Faith in Angels

“Whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.” ⁶
(The Holy Qur’an)

The history of humanity is full of beliefs in powerful and invisible creatures. The battle between good and evil is mostly explained through these creatures. But how much of the things told is true? Only the last religion, Islam, sent by the Ruler and Owner of the visible and invisible worlds can provide solid and true information on this matter. In this respect, believing in the existence of angels who were created out of divine light is one of the principles of faith in Islam.

According to Islam, angels are absolutely good creatures who fulfill various duties given by Allah (swt) and obey His commands unquestioningly. Angels do not have gender nor the humane features like eating or drinking. The Holy Qur’an verses mention that they have wings; however, it is inappropriate to describe them similar to birds or depict them similar to women. In fact, the Qur’an objects the perception of angels as female, and describes them as the “servants of the Most Merciful.” ⁷

Angels are divided into various groups based on the hierarchical system and duties. There are four archangels: Jibril (Gabriel), whose duty is to deliver revelations to the prophets; Mikail (Michael), who supervises natural events as the angel of sustenance and mercy; Azrael is the angel of death; and Israfil is responsible for blowing the Sur (Trumpet) to pronounce the Judgment Day. Also, there are other angels who carry the throne, who protect people and pray for them, who record people’s good and evil deeds, who meet and question them in the grave for the first time, and who serve in the heaven or hell.

Angels were created by Allah the Almighty just like all other creatures. They never disobey Allah (swt), and act only with His permission and command. They do not know more than what Allah notifies them. Therefore, they can never be regarded as a deity, god or ruling power.

One of the fundamental features of a Muslim with sincere belief in Allah (swt) is believing in the unseen, in other words, ghayb. Faith in angels is a part of it.