Angels (Mala'ika) in Islam – Their Description and Functions

 

Angels (Mala'ika) in Islam – Their Description and Functions

Angels (Mala'ika) are spiritual beings created by Allah from light (nur). Unlike humans and jinn, they do not have free will and obey Allah’s commands perfectly. The Qur'an and Hadith describe their creation, characteristics, roles, and duties in great detail.

1. Creation of Angels

📖 Qur’an & Hadith Evidence

  • Created from Light

    “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you.” (Sahih Muslim 2996)

  • Angels Have No Free Will

    “They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, but do what they are commanded.” (Surah At-Tahrim 66:6)

  • They Have Wings

    “[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, [who] made the angels messengers having wings – two, three, or four.” (Surah Fatir 35:1)

2. Characteristics of Angels

✅ Created from Light – Unlike humans (made of clay) and jinn (made of fire).
✅ Invisible to Humans – Unless Allah allows them to be seen (e.g., Angel Jibreel appeared in human form).
✅ Have Enormous Strength & Speed – They travel instantly across the universe.
✅ Do Not Eat, Drink, or Sleep – Unlike humans and jinn.
✅ Always in Worship – Constantly glorify and obey Allah.
✅ Cannot Sin or Disobey – They act only as commanded.

3. Major Angels and Their Functions

📖 Angels are assigned different responsibilities by Allah. Some have specific names mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadith.

1. Jibreel (AS) – The Messenger of Revelation

📖 Mentioned in: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:97), Surah An-Najm (53:5-6)

  • Also called Ruh al-Qudus (The Holy Spirit).
  • Delivered Allah’s revelations to the prophets, including the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
  • Has 600 wings, covering the horizon (Sahih Bukhari 3232).
  • Appeared to Maryam (AS) to announce the birth of Prophet Isa (AS) (Surah Maryam 19:17-19).

2. Mikail (AS) – The Angel of Rain & Sustenance

📖 Mentioned in: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:98)

  • Controls rain, weather, and sustenance on Allah’s command.
  • Helps distribute provisions (rizq) to humans.
  • Assisted Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in battles (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).

3. Israfil (AS) – The Angel Who Blows the Trumpet

📖 Mentioned in: Surah Az-Zumar (39:68)

  • He will blow the Trumpet (Sur) to signal:
    1️⃣ The End of the World (First Blow) – Everything will be destroyed.
    2️⃣ The Resurrection (Second Blow) – All souls will be revived for Judgment.

4. Malak-ul-Mawt – The Angel of Death

📖 Mentioned in: Surah As-Sajdah (32:11)

  • Also known as Azrael, though not mentioned by this name in the Qur'an.
  • Takes the souls of the deceased at their appointed time.
  • Has helpers who assist in removing souls (Surah An-Nahl 16:28).

4. Angels of the Afterlife

1. Munkar & Nakir – The Grave Questioners

📖 Hadith Evidence:

  • When a person dies, these two angels question the deceased in the grave:

    “Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your prophet?” (Sunan Abi Dawood 4753)

  • The righteous will answer correctly, while sinners will be unable to answer.

2. Malik – The Guardian of Hell

📖 Mentioned in: Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:77)

  • The chief angel in charge of Hellfire (Jahannam).
  • He does not show mercy to the disbelievers.
  • The people of Hell will cry out to him, but he will not respond to them (Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:77).

3. Ridwan – The Guardian of Paradise

📖 Hadith Evidence:

  • He is the gatekeeper of Jannah (Paradise).
  • Welcomes the believers upon their entry into Paradise.

5. Recording Angels – Kiraman Katibin

📖 Mentioned in: Surah Al-Infitar (82:10-12)

  • Each person has two angels recording their deeds:

    • The right angel records good deeds.
    • The left angel records bad deeds.

  • On Judgment Day, these records will be presented as proof (Surah Al-Kahf 18:49).

6. Angels Who Protect and Assist Believers

📖 1. Guardian Angels (Hafazah & Mu’aqqibat)

  • Protect humans from harm unless Allah wills otherwise (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11).

📖 2. Angels at the Battle of Badr

  • Thousands of angels came to help the Muslims in the Battle of Badr (Surah Al-Anfal 8:9).

📖 3. Angels Send Blessings

  • Angels send blessings upon those who pray for others, recite Qur’an, and remember Allah (Sahih Muslim 2730).

7. How Angels Interact with Humans

📖 1. Angels Visit Those Who Remember Allah

  • Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

    "Angels surround those who gather to remember Allah, and Allah mentions them among the angels." (Sahih Muslim 2700)

📖 2. Angels Love Good Deeds

  • They rush to record good deeds and pray for the believers.

📖 3. Angels Hate Filth and Sin

  • They do not enter houses with dogs or pictures of living beings (Sahih Muslim 2106).

8. Angels on the Day of Judgment

📖 1. They Will Carry the Throne of Allah

“And the angels will be at its edges. And there will bear the Throne of your Lord above them, that Day, eight [of them].” (Surah Al-Haqqah 69:17)

📖 2. They Will Intercede for Believers

  • Angels will seek forgiveness for righteous believers on the Day of Judgment.

📖 3. They Will Drive People to Their Destinations

  • Some will drag sinners into Hell.
  • Others will guide believers to Paradise.

Conclusion

✅ Angels are a creation of Allah who obey Him completely.
✅ They perform different roles, including delivering messages, protecting believers, and punishing sinners.
✅ They are always engaged in worship and prayer.
✅ Belief in angels is a core pillar of Iman (faith) in Islam.

Allah is one and second to none.

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