Belief in Angels

Belief in the Angels

Created from light, obedient to Allah, and entrusted with divine tasks

Introduction

Belief in the angels is a pillar of faith. The angels are part of the unseen world, created by Allah from light, and they never disobey His commands. Recognizing their existence strengthens our awareness of accountability and deepens our humility before Allah.

Meaning of Belief in the Angels

Belief in the angels rests on four essential points.

1. Affirming their existence

Angels are Allah’s honored servants. They worship Him without ceasing and carry out His commands.

“…honored slaves. They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His command.” Qur’an 21:26-27

“Who disobey not the commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.” Qur’an 66:6

“Those near Him are not too proud to worship Him… They glorify Him day and night, never tiring.” Qur’an 21:19-20

2. Belief in their names

We believe in the angels whose names are revealed: Jibreel, Mikail, Israfil, Malik, Radwan, and others peace be upon them.

3. Belief in their attributes

Some angels’ attributes are known from revelation. Jibreel (peace be upon him), for instance, was seen with six hundred wings that filled the horizon.

4. Belief in their actions

Each angel has duties given by Allah:

• Jibreel: entrusted with revelation.
• Israfil: will blow the trumpet for the Day of Resurrection.
• Mikail: oversees rain and provision.
• Malik: guardian of Hell.

Recording Angels

Every person has two angels who record their deeds.

“(Remember) that the two receivers receive each human being, one on the right and one on the left. Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready to record.” Qur’an 50:17-18

On the Day of Resurrection, these records will be presented openly.

“…and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide open. (It will be said): ‘Read your book. You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day.’” Qur’an 17:13-14

Fruits of Belief in the Angels

• Heightened God-consciousness: Knowing angels record our deeds keeps us accountable.
• Appreciation of Allah’s order: Angels fulfill vital tasks in sustaining creation.
• Strengthened faith: Believing in the unseen nurtures humility and obedience.
• Hope and fear: Their presence reminds us of reward and punishment.

Addressing Misconceptions

• Angels as symbolic: Some treat angels as metaphors. In Islam, angels are real beings created from light.
• Angels never err: Unlike humans and jinn, angels never disobey Allah. Qur’an 66:6
• Guardian angels: They do not act independently. They fulfill Allah’s commands alone.

Classical scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim emphasized that denying the reality of angels undermines a core foundation of Iman.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 21:19-20 : Angels glorify Allah without rest.
• Qur’an 21:26-27 : Angels are honored servants.
• Qur’an 66:6 : Angels obey Allah without disobedience.
• Qur’an 50:17-18 : Recording angels write every word.
• Qur’an 17:13-14 : On the Day of Judgment each book will be opened.

Secondary Sources

• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir : Commentary on verses about angels.
• Ibn Taymiyyah, al-Iman : Discussions on belief in the unseen.
• Ibn al-Qayyim, Kitab al-Ruh : Explanations on the unseen world.
• Angels and their role in Islamic belief : Contemporary insights on angels.