In Islamic religious philosophy, angels (malāʾikah) are ethereal creatures made by Allah to perform different errands and obligations.
This article investigates 20 noticeable blessed angels in Islam and their particular obligations.
The Names of Angels in Islam
1. Jibril (Gabriel)
Gibreel is tasked with delivering Allah`s messages to the prophets.
He also delivered messages to other prophets like Moses and Jesus, establishing his position as the main link between Allah and mankind.
2. Mikail (Michael)
Mikail is the angel assigned by Allah to watch over nature and supply food for all beings. He has power over the weather, causing rain to water the earth and support its fertility, guaranteeing that life flourishes on the planet.
Mikail is also thought to be in charge of allocating provisions and wealth to individuals, ensuring equilibrium and harmony in the natural environment. His position highlights Allah’s compassion and attention for His creations by providing sustenance.
3. Israfil (Raphael)
Israfil is the angel responsible for blowing the trumpet to stamp the begin of the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). It is accepted that he holds the trumpet to his lips, holding up for Allah’s flag to sound it twice:
the primary impact will bring an conclusion to all life, and the moment will bring the dead back to be judged.
Israfil’s responsibility emphasizes the idea of being held accountable and the temporary aspect of life in Islamic beliefs about the end times.
4. Azrael (Malak al-Mawt)
Azrael, also referred to as the Angel of Death, is in charge of collecting the souls of individuals when the time decided by Allah arrives. He ensures the entry from natural presence to the following life, satisfying this duty with exactitude and compliance.
Azrael’s function acts as a prompt about death and the certainty of mortality, motivating followers to live virtuously to ready themselves for the afterlife.
5. Munkar and Nakir
Munkar and Nakir, twin angels, have the responsibility of interrogating the deceased in their tombs. After being laid to rest, they go to see the deceased to ask about their beliefs and actions while alive. The type of questioning they face and the experience in the grave are determined by the person’s beliefs and deeds.
These angels highlight the significance of belief and moral behaviour, as the tomb is seen as the initial phase of the next life.
6. Raqib and Atid
The Angels Raqib and Atid, also called the noble recording angels (Kiraman Katibin), are responsible for recording the actions of each individual.
Raqib logs positive actions, while Atid logs negative actions, providing a thorough record of an individual’s conduct, speech, and motives.
7. Malik
Malik serves as the primary guardian angel of Hell (Jahannam). He supervises the operation and upkeep of Hellfire, making sure that Allah’s punishment is administered correctly.
Malik is portrayed as strict and uncompromising, embodying the seriousness and fairness linked to punishment from the divine. His position acts as a deterrent to prevent wrongdoing and as a point of reference for the consequences of disobeying Allah.
8. Ridwan
Ridwan has been chosen as the guardian angel of Paradise (Jannah). He greets the virtuous and devout people into the everlasting place of joy and contentment, making sure everything is ready for them. The presence of Ridwan is a symbol of Allah’s blessing for those who are faithful and do good deeds, providing encouragement and reassurance for believers working towards Paradise.
9. Harut and Marut
Harut and Marut, two angels cited in the Quran, were dispatched to Babylon as a trial for its inhabitants. They educated people on magic but advised against its improper use, highlighting that it was a test from Allah. Their tale is a reminder about resisting temptation, taking responsibility, and following divine guidance even in the face of difficulties.
10. Darda’il
Darda’il are angels assigned to find and pray for believers who practice remembrance (dhikr) of Allah. They traverse the land looking for occasions where Allah is revered and admired, participating in and offering blessings to those present. Their function highlights the importance of remembering and the spiritual advantages linked to it.
11. Hafaza Angels
Hafaza angels are celestial beings designated to safeguard individuals for their entire lifetimes. They protect humans from harm and evil with the permission of Allah. It is believed that each person is accompanied by multiple Hafaza angels, demonstrating Allah’s care and protection over His servants.
12. Hamalat al-‘Arsh
The angels who bear the Throne of Allah are known as Hamalat al-‘Arsh. They are known as majestic and powerful creatures that constantly praise Allah. Their responsibility demonstrates the majesty and power of Allah, showcasing His ultimate control over the heavens and the earth.
13. Mu’aqqibat
Mu’aqqibat are angels who accompany humans in a sequence, safeguarding them from harm and mishaps under the order of Allah. It is believed that they intercede in different situations to stop harm, showing divine mercy and protection given to humans.
14. Angel of Mountains
While not specifically mentioned by name, the Angel of Mountains appears in Islamic traditions, especially in relation to aiding Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This angel was ready to crush the enemy forces of Ta’if between mountains at the Prophet’s order, demonstrating Allah’s backing and the presence of divine assistance in moments of difficulty.
15. Angel of Rain
Like Mikail, the Angel of Rain is responsible for ensuring the proper distribution of rainfall worldwide. This angel ensures that rainfall occurs in necessary locations and times, aiding in the nourishment and equilibrium of life on Earth. The focus is on Allah’s sustenance and the detailed control of natural events.
16. Angel Ridhwan
Angel Ridhwan is occasionally recognized individually as the guardian of the entrances to Paradise. He makes sure that only those authorized by Allah can enter Jannah, preserving the sacredness and cleanliness of the heavenly realm. His obligation symbolizes the prize available for the loyal and the special access to Paradise for the virtuous.
17. Angel Zabaniyah
Zabaniyah are the angels who are tasked with punishing the residents of Hell. They enforce the punishments set by Allah, making sure that those who committed wrongdoings in their lives on earth receive justice. Their function acts as a firm admonition against wrongdoing and defiance of sacred laws.
18. Angel Maalikah
In Islamic traditions, Maalikah generally refers to female angels, even though angels are usually seen as having no gender. In certain beliefs, Maalikah are responsible for documenting actions or bestowing blessings, highlighting the varied and comprehensive range of angelic responsibilities in Islam.
19. Angel Kiraman
Kiraman are respected beings in charge of documenting an individual’s thoughts along with their deeds. They make sure that the actions done externally and the intentions internally are documented accurately for evaluation. This position showcases the thorough and fair aspect of divine accountability in Islam.
20. Angel Mumit
Angel Mumit is linked to bringing about death, collaborating with Azrael to carry out the fate of the end of life for every person. The responsibility of this angel highlights the divine authority in the cycle of life and death, and the organized way souls move to the afterlife.
Summary
Angels play a key role in Islamic faith, representing obedience, serving Allah, and carrying out his will in different realms and aspects of life.
These celestial beings fulfil various roles such as delivering revelations, recording deeds, overseeing natural phenomena, and administering justice, all in support of the principles of faith, accountability, and divine order. Comprehending the functions and titles of these angels enhances one’s understanding of Islamic beliefs and the complex mechanism by which Allah oversees and supports the universe.
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