Over 1.9 billion Muslims believe in angels as part of their faith. But how well do you know their names and roles? Jibril delivered the Quran. Mikail manages rain. Others record your deeds, protect you, and question souls after death.
This article explains the 9 names of the angels in Islam and what they do. You’ll understand how each angel connects to your daily life and faith. Ready to discover them all?
What Are Angels in Islam? Understanding These Unseen Beings of Light
Angels in Islam are beings created from light. They obey Allah without question. Angels carry out His commands perfectly. They protect, guide, and record human deeds. Also, they connect the seen and unseen worlds. Angels never eat, sleep, or make mistakes. Their presence shows Allah’s care and justice. Learning the names of the angels in Islam helps us understand their roles more clearly Angel belief is a must for all Muslims. Understanding them strengthens faith and awareness of the unseen.
Names of The Angels in Islam: Duties, Stories, and Quranic Roles
In Islam, angels are pure beings made from light. They never disobey Allah and always carry out His commands.
Knowing the names of the angels in Islam helps you understand their roles in protecting, guiding, and recording human deeds.
Their presence touches every part of life and the afterlife, reminding us to be mindful and faithful daily.
I will list the names of the angels in Islam, explain their duties, and highlight their roles in the Quran and Hadith.
Here is a complete guide for anyone seeking deeper knowledge of the unseen world and its meaning in faith.
1. Jibril (Gabriel): Angel of Revelation
- Jibril is the chief of all angels. He holds the highest rank.
- His primary duty was revelation. He brought Allah’s words to the prophets.
- The primary conduit between Allah and the messengers is Jibril.
- Brought down the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 23 years.
- He also brought messages to other prophets. He spoke to Moses and Jesus.
- Jibril appeared in human form often. He came to the Prophet Muhammad.
- Even appeared during battles. He was there at the Battle of Badr.
- Mentioned in the Quran:
قُلْ مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّۭا لِّجِبْرِيلَ فَإِنَّهُۥ نَزَّلَهُۥ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ مُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًۭى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Whoever is an enemy to Jibril—it is [none but] he who has brought the Qur’an down upon your heart by permission of Allah (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:97)
- Hadith Mention: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw Jibril in his true form twice. He described Jibril’s vast size.
2. Mikail (Michael): Overseer of Nature and Sustenance
- Mikail manages natural phenomena.
- Responsible for rain, crops, and provisions.
- He ensures food reaches people and keeps balance in the world.
- He helps life flourish on Earth.
- Asks Allah to forgive His righteous servants.
- He will play a role on the Day of Judgment by weighing deeds.
- Quranic Insight: The Quran mentions him alongside Jibril. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:98
مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّۭا لِّلَّهِ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتِهِۦ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَجِبْرِيلَ وَمِيكَىٰلَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَدُوٌّۭ لِّلْكَـٰفِرِين
indeed, Allah is an enemy to the unbelievers if they oppose Him, His angels, His messengers, Jibril, and Mikail.
3. Israfil (Raphael): Blower of the Trumpet
- carries the trumpet (ṣūr), prepared to obey Allah’s directions.
- His voice is said to be the most beautiful in the heavens.
- His eyes are on the throne.
- Will blow it twice: once to end the world, Consequently, all living things will perish.
- Again, to raise the dead. Thus, the Day of Judgment starts.
- His role reminds us of mortality. It also points to rebirth.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “How can I enjoy life while the one with the horn has put it to his lips, bent his forehead, and is waiting to blow it?
وعن أبي سعدي الخدرى، رضي الله عنه، قال: قال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم ”كيف أنعم وصاحب القرن قد التقم ، واستمع الإذن متى يؤمر بالنفخ فينفخ” فكأن ذلك ثقل على أصحاب رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال لهم: ”قولوا : حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل” ((رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن)).
4. Azrael (Malak al-Mawt): Angel of Death
- Collects souls when their time ends. No delay, no mistake.
- Takes them with gentleness or hardship based on their faith.
- He approaches gently for the righteous. He eases their departure.
- Conversely, for the wicked, his approach is harsh.
- He is a servant of Allah. He acts only by divine command.
- His presence teaches us to live purposefully—death isn’t the end, but a transition.
قُلْ يَتَوَفَّىٰكُم مَّلَكُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ٱلَّذِى وُكِّلَ بِكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ تُرْجَعُونَ
- Mentioned in the Quran: “Say, the Angel of Death will take you who has been entrusted with you.” (Surah As-Sajdah 32:11)
5. Munkar and Nakir: Questioners of the Grave
- Appear after burial to test the soul.
- They question the soul in the grave. This marks a vital trial.
- Ask three questions: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?
- Their interrogation sets the stage for the afterlife—faith isn’t just a label.
- A believer will answer correctly. The grave then becomes spacious.
- However, a disbeliever will falter. Their grave becomes narrow.
- Significance: This interrogation underscores faith’s importance. It emphasizes righteous deeds in this life.
- Therefore, preparing for their questions is crucial. It urges a mindful life
6. Raqib and Atid: Recorders of Deeds (Kiraman Katibin)
- Every human has two angels. One is on the right, one on the left.
- Raqib records good deeds. He sits on the right shoulder.
- Atid records bad deeds. He sits on the left shoulder.
- Sit on your shoulders, recording every deed—good or bad—without missing a word.
- Why it matters: They’re the ultimate accountability partners, nudging us to choose wisely.
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Mentioned in the Quran:
إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌۭ ١٧مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌۭ ١٨
Sitting on the left and right, the two receivers receive. Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready [to record it].”
(Surah Qaf 50:17-18).
- This highlights accountability. It reminds us of our actions.
- Consequently, it encourages piety. It deters from wrongdoing.
7. Malik: Guardian of Hell
- Malik is the chief guardian of Hell
- Oversees the punishment in Jahannam.
- He never smiles. He is stern and unyielding.
- Ensuring justice for those who rejected faith.
- A sobering reminder: actions have eternal consequences.
- Mentioned in the Quran:
وَنَادَوْا۟ يَـٰمَـٰلِكُ لِيَقْضِ عَلَيْنَا رَبُّكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنَّكُم مَّـٰكِثُونَ
They will call, ‘O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!’ (Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:77)
8. Ridwan: Keeper of Paradise
- Ridwan stands at the gate of Jannah.
- Greets the righteous in Jannah.
- Ensures only believers enter through the gates.
- His kindness reflects Allah’s promise of reward for the righteous.
- He is the angel of blessings. He heralds immense joy.
- Therefore, striving for Jannah is vital. Ridwan awaits the faithful
9. Hamalat al-‘Arsh: The Bearers of Allah’s Throne
- These are mighty angels. They carry Allah’s immense Throne.
- Their size is unimaginable. They are of colossal stature.
- They constantly glorify Allah. Praise Him day and night.
- Quranic Insight:
ٱلَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ ٱلْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُۥ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍۢ رَّحْمَةًۭ وَعِلْمًۭا فَٱغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا۟ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ ٱلْجَحِيمِ
Those [angels] who carry the Throne and those around it exalt [Allah] with praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have4 believed, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge,5 so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire.’”
(Surah Ghafir 40:7)
- Their very existence speaks of Allah’s grandeur. It shows His infinite power.
These angels serve a purpose in every stage of life—birth, sustenance, death, and the hereafter. Every action, statement, and idea is recognized and documented. Every act, word, and thought is known and recorded. Learning the names of the angels in Islam deepens your understanding of the world and reminds you that life is not random. It’s guided by divine will.
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