Islamic Knowledge
Angels in Islam: Names, Duties & What the Qur’an Says
Learn about angels in Islam, their names and duties, Jibril, Mika'il, Israfil, Malik, the Angel of Death, recording angels, their appearance, and what the Qur’an and Sunnah actually teach.
Angels are not a minor or optional subject in Islam. Belief in the angels of Allah is a non-negotiable pillar of Iman (Islamic faith). A Muslim firmly believes that beyond our physical world exists an unseen realm inhabited by the Mala'ikah (الملائكة)—noble, luminous beings created by Allah, entirely obedient to Him, and continuously executing His divine decrees throughout the cosmos.
They delivered revelation to prophets, record every human deed, extract souls at their appointed hour, guard the gates of Paradise and the Fire, glorify Allah without weariness, attend gatherings of sacred knowledge, and will execute momentous commands on the Last Day. Yet angels are frequently shrouded in folklore, pop-culture myths of 'fallen angels', or new-age 'angel numbers'. Islam provides a pristine foundation grounded strictly upon the Holy Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
Quick Answer: What Are Angels in Islam?
• Arabic Term: Malak (مَلَك - singular), Mala'ikah (ملائكة - plural).
• Origin: Created from pure light (Nur) by Allah.
• Nature: Pure, obedient servants with no divine status, no biological gender, and no rebellion.
• Core Duty: Executing Allah's divine will—transmitting revelation, administering nature, recording deeds, and guarding the unseen realms.
• Pillar of Faith: The second of the Six Articles of Iman (Qur’an 2:285).
Do Muslims Believe in Angels? The Second Article of Faith
Belief in angels is an indispensable core requirement of Islamic Aqidah. In the famous Hadith of Jibril, when asked to define Iman, the Prophet ﷺ stated that faith consists of believing in:
- Allah (His absolute Oneness / Tawhid)
- His Angels (Mala'ikah)
- His Revealed Books (Tawrah, Zabur, Injeel, Qur’an)
- His Messengers (from Adam to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — see Prophets in Islam)
- The Last Day (Resurrection, Judgment, Jannah & Jahannam)
- Divine Decree (Qadar) (Its good and challenging aspects)
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers…”
Creation, Physical Nature, and Characteristics of Angels
1. Created From Light (Nur)
In an authentic narration in Sahih Muslim, ‘Aishah رضي الله عنها narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from a smokeless flame of fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to you [clay].”— Sahih Muslim (2996)
| Creation | Created From | Free Will / Accountability | Physical Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angels (Mala'ikah) | Pure Light (Nur) | Incapable of sin; execute divine orders flawlessly | Unseen celestial beings; possess wings; can take human form |
| Jinn | Smokeless Fire (Nar) | Morally accountable; includes believers and disbelievers (Iblis) | Unseen spiritual beings residing on Earth |
| Human Beings | Clay / Earth (Dust) | Morally accountable; granted free will to obey or disobey | Physical biological bodies; undergo birth, life, and death |
2. Wings of Enormous Scale
The Qur’an explicitly establishes that angels possess wings in varying numbers according to their rank and responsibility:
“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, [who] made the angels messengers having wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.”
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw the Archangel Jibril عليه السلام in his original celestial form on two occasions (including during the Mi'raj), describing him as having 600 wings that spanned from the horizon to horizon, with multicolored pearls and rubies falling from his wings (Sahih al-Bukhari).
3. Transcending Human Biological Needs
Angels do not experience biological hunger, thirst, physical fatigue, sleep, or sexual reproduction. When angels visited Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام in human likeness, he offered them a roasted calf, but their hands did not reach for it (Qur’an 11:70). Furthermore, Islam strictly condemns assigning gender or calling them 'daughters of Allah' (Qur’an 43:19).
Major Angels in Islam: Names, Roles & Scriptural Proofs
While the total number of angels is known only to Allah (Qur’an 74:31), classical Islamic scholarship delineates the archangels and specialized angelic groups established in authentic revelation:
1. Jibril (Gabriel) عليه السلام — The Angel of Divine Revelation
The greatest of all angels, designated as Ruh al-Qudus (The Holy Spirit) and Ar-Ruh al-Amin (The Trustworthy Spirit). Entrusted with delivering the divine words of Allah to all prophets, including revealing the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the Cave of Hira (Qur’an 2:97).
2. Mika'il (Michael) عليه السلام — Angel of Rain and Provision
Explicitly named in Qur’an 2:98. Entrusted with the administration of weather, rainfall, winds, and the growth of vegetation by Allah's divine decree, sustaining all living creatures on Earth.
3. Israfil عليه السلام — The Blower of the Trumpet (As-Sur)
The archangel standing ready with the Trumpet pressed to his lips, awaiting Allah's final command. He will blow the first blast to end all cosmic existence and the second blast to initiate the physical Resurrection of all humanity (Qur’an 39:68).
4. Malak al-Mawt (The Angel of Death)
Entrusted with taking the souls of every human being when their appointed lifetime expires (Qur’an 32:11). Supported by legions of angels of mercy (for righteous souls) and angels of punishment (for wicked souls). Note: The name 'Azrael' is a popular cultural tradition but is not explicitly named in the Qur’an or Sahih Hadith.
5. Malik & The 19 Zabaniyah — Keepers of Jahannam
Malik is the head keeper of the Hellfire explicitly addressed in Qur’an 43:77. He commands the 19 stern, formidable guardian angels (Az-Zabaniyah) who execute divine punishment without disobedience (Qur’an 66:6 & 74:30).
6. Ridwan & The Keepers of Jannah
The joyful angelic gatekeepers of Paradise who welcome the believers into eternal bliss through its gates with the greeting: “Salamun ‘alaykum (Peace be upon you) for what you patiently endured” (Qur’an 13:23–24).
7. Munkar and Nakir — Interrogators of the Barzakh
Two awe-inspiring angels assigned to question every deceased person in their grave concerning the three fundamental realities of life: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who was your Prophet? (Sunan at-Tirmidhi).
8. Kiraman Katibin (The Noble Recorders)
Two recording angels stationed on the right (recording good deeds) and left (recording bad deeds) of every accountable human (Qur’an 82:10–12 & 50:17–18). Note: The terms 'Raqib' and 'Atid' describe their vigilant, present state rather than being proper personal names.
9. Hamalat al-‘Arsh (Bearers of the Divine Throne)
Colossal angels carrying the supreme Throne of Allah who constantly praise Him and supplicate for the forgiveness and salvation of the believers (Qur’an 40:7). On the Day of Judgment, eight will bear the Throne above them (Qur’an 69:17).
10. Harut and Marut — The Test of Babylon
Explicitly mentioned in Qur’an 2:102. Sent as a divine moral test to the people of ancient Babylon, warning anyone seeking occult magic: “We are only a trial, so do not disbelieve.”
Popular Misconceptions Debunked
❌ Myth 1: "Satan (Iblis) was a fallen angel."
Correction: In Islamic theology, angels are incapable of arrogance or rebellion. The Qur’an explicitly states: “...except Iblis. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord” (Qur’an 18:50). Iblis is a jinn created from fire, not a fallen angel.
❌ Myth 2: "Humans or deceased babies become angels after death."
Correction: Sentimental sayings like "Heaven gained another angel" are contrary to Islamic Aqidah. Humans, jinn, and angels are distinct biological and metaphysical creations. A deceased believer enters Barzakh and Jannah as an honored human, never transforming into an angel.
❌ Myth 3: "Angel numbers (111, 222, 444, 11:11) carry secret angelic messages."
Correction: Numerology is entirely baseless and considered a form of superstition in Islam. Knowledge of the unseen belongs exclusively to Allah (Qur’an 27:65). Muslims seek guidance through the Qur’an, Sunnah, Istikharah, and sincere Dua, not clock numbers.
How Belief in Angels Shapes Daily Muslim Conduct
Belief in angels is not a passive academic doctrine; it directly transforms the daily character and spiritual vigilance of a Muslim:
- Mindfulness of Speech and Actions: Knowing that the Kiraman Katibin record every uttered word (Qur’an 50:18) restrains the tongue from lying, slander, backbiting, and malice.
- Urgency of Repentance: Understanding that the Angel of Death visits without scheduled notice motivates believers to consistently engage in Istighfar (Astaghfirullah) and guard their five daily prayers, such as Dhuhr Prayer.
- Comfort in Gatherings of Remembrance: Authentic Hadith confirms that roving angels encircle gatherings of Qur’an study and Dhikr (Tasbih), descending with serenity and divine mercy.
- Humility in Knowledge: When asked questions beyond their domain, even the majestic angels proclaimed: “Subhanaka (Glory be to You)! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us” (Qur’an 2:32).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Angels in Islam
What are angels called in Islam and Arabic? ▼
In Arabic, an angel is called Malak (مَلَك) and the plural is Mala'ikah (ملائكة).
What are the names of the four main archangels in Islam? ▼
The four prominent archangels widely highlighted in Islamic tradition are: Jibril (revelation), Mika'il (rain and sustenance), Israfil (the Trumpet of resurrection), and Malak al-Mawt (the Angel of Death).
Is the Angel of Death named Azrael in the Qur’an? ▼
No. The Holy Qur’an strictly refers to him as Malak al-Mawt (The Angel of Death) in Surah As-Sajdah (32:11). The name 'Azrael' originates from Judeo-Christian traditional literature (Isra'iliyyat) that later entered Islamic cultural commentary, but it is not verified in authentic Sahih Hadith.
Can Muslims see angels? ▼
In their true celestial form of light, ordinary humans cannot see angels. However, Allah granted prophets the ability to see them, and companions saw Jibril when he took the physical form of a well-dressed traveling man during the famous Hadith of Jibril.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Lesson of Angelic Submission
Angels represent the pinnacle of celestial might, beauty, and devotion. If majestic beings like Jibril, Mika'il, and the Bearers of the Throne continuously prostrate before Allah in absolute humility, humanity has no justification for arrogance or negligence in worship.
يَخَافُونَ رَبَّهُم مِّن فَوْقِهِمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ
“They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded.” (Qur’an 16:50)