Do Muslims believe in Angels?

In a Nutshell: Yes, Muslims believe in angels as unseen beings created by Allah (swt) who worship Him and carry out His tasks throughout the universe. Table of Contents: In a Nutshell Introduction Evidences from Quran and Hadith Belief in Angels: Misconceptions about Angels in Islam Objections to Belief in Angels FAQs on Angels In a Nutshell: Muslims firmly believe in the existence of angels. Angels are a fundamental part of Islamic faith and are mentioned extensively throughout the Quran and the sunnah (teachings) of the The Prophet (pbuh). These spiritual beings are created from light, possess no free will and tirelessly worship Allah (swt). They are assigned a multitude of divine tasks, including conveying revelations, recording deeds, protecting humans and administering different aspects of the universe. Introduction The existence of angels is one of the six pillars of faith in Islam. Belief in them is not a choice, rather an obligation placed upon Muslims by Allah (swt). Denying the existence of angels amounts to disbelief. While we may not perceive angels with our senses, Muslims are certain of their reality. Our faith in angels stems from the Quran and the authentically reported sayings and actions of the Prophet (pbuh), known as hadith. The Quran and hadith provide detailed descriptions and insights into the nature, characteristics and roles of angels. Understanding angels and their function is crucial for every Muslim. Evidences from Quran and Hadith Quran Creation of Angels: Praise be to Allah, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings... (Surah Fatir 35:1) Angels as Worshippers: They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever slacken (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:20) Angels Delivering Revelation: With it came down the Spirit of Faith to thy heart that thou mayest be of the warners (Surah Ash-Shu'ara 26:193) Angels Recording Deeds: But truly over you are appointed guardians, noble and recording. (Surah Al-Infitar 82:10-11) Hadith The Angel of Revelation: The Prophet (pbuh) said: The Holy Spirit (Angel Jibra'il) has informed me that no human soul will die until its provision has been exhausted and its life span has ended... (Musnad Ahmad) Angels Present at Gatherings of Remembrance: The Prophet (pbuh) said: When people gather in one of the houses of Allah...the angels surround them, mercy covers them, tranquility descends upon them and Allah mentions them to those who are in His presence." (Sahih Muslim) Seeking Knowledge and Protection: The Prophet (pbuh) said: When a group of people assemble for the remembrance of Allah, the angels surround them, mercy covers them, tranquility descends upon them... (Sahih Muslim) Number of Angels: There is no spot in the heavens the size of a hand span without an angel standing or prostrating in it..." (Sunan Ibn Majah) Belief in Angels: The evidences from the Quran and Hadith illustrate the fundamental importance angels hold in Islam. Muslims believe: Angels are Created from Light: Unlike humans (created from clay) and jinn (created from smokeless fire), angels are beings of light, giving them immense power and abilities beyond ordinary comprehension. Angels Have No Free Will: Angels are not autonomous. They carry out the commands of Allah (swt) meticulously and without personal desire or the capacity to disobey. Angels Have Specific Roles: The angelic realm has hierarchies and specializations. Some of the most well-known angels, such as Gabriel (Jibril, as), Mikael (as), Israfil (as) and Malik (as), have distinct tasks in the service of Allah (swt). Angels Interact with Humans: Angels aren't distant beings. They are involved in human lives, from delivering messages and protection to recording deeds and facilitating knowledge and good actions. Angels Witness the Day of Judgement: Angels will play a crucial role in the Day of Judgment, testifying to people's deeds and carrying out the divine decrees of Allah (swt). Angels Inspire Awe and Humility: Belief in angels reminds Muslims of the greatness and power of Allah (swt). It also cultivates humility as we understand our limited place in the grand cosmic hierarchy. Angels Encourage Righteousness: Knowing that angels record our good and bad deeds encourages Muslims to strive for righteousness. Belief in angels thus acts as a powerful moral compass. Misconceptions about Angels in Islam It's important to address some common misconceptions about angels: Angels are not feminine: Although sometimes depicted with feminine features in art, angels in Islam have no gender. Angels are not God's children: Angels are Allah's (swt) creations, not His offspring. They are a distinct class of beings. We don't worship angels: Muslims worship Allah (swt) alone. While angels are respected and revered, they are never the object of worship or prayers. Angels aren't lucky charms: Angels do not bring luck or fortune independently. Blessings and protection come from Allah (swt), though angels may be the means by which His will is executed. We don't know everything about angels: Many details about angels are known only to Allah (swt). Speculation beyond what is revealed is discouraged. Objections to Belief in Angels Some objections raised against belief in angels are: Lack of Scientific Proof: Angels exist in the spiritual realm. Demanding scientific proof for their existence is as illogical as expecting science to prove or disprove the existence of emotions like love or joy. Angels Seem Irrational: The concept of angels may challenge a purely materialistic worldview. However, Islam embraces the reality of the unseen, which includes the existence of God, the soul and ultimately, an entire realm beyond our tangible senses. Why Believe in Unseen Beings? Faith is integral to Islam. Many of its fundamental tenets rely on believing in what we cannot directly perceive. If we could see and test everything, there would be no need for faith. Belief in Angels is Primitive: Belief in angels is no more primitive than the belief in subatomic particles or the theory of gravity - concepts accepted by most, despite being unseen. Stories of Angels Seem Like Superstitions: Some cultural practices or folklore relating to angels might border on superstition and are not from authentic Islamic sources. We must always rely on the Quran and sunnah for true guidance. FAQs: Do Muslims Believe in Angels? Can I see an angel? Generally, angels are veiled from ordinary human sight. Some prophets were granted the special ability to see them in their true forms. Do I have a guardian angel? Yes, Muslims believe that each person is assigned guardian angels who protect them, record their deeds and guide them towards good. Can I pray to angels for help? No, Muslims only direct prayers and requests for help to Allah (swt) alone. Angels cannot be petitioned independently. Do Muslims believe in fallen angels? No, angels in Islam are incapable of disobeying Allah (swt). The concept of a fallen angel like Shaytan (Satan) applies to the jinn, not angels. If angels are made of light, are they energy? While the exact nature of angelic light is beyond our full comprehension, it's not equivalent to the scientific understanding of energy. Conclusion Belief in angels is a non-negotiable aspect of Islamic faith. The Quran and sunnah provide irrefutable evidence of their existence. While certain details remain a mystery, Muslims understand and accept them as a magnificent creation of Allah (swt). Belief in angels fosters a profound sense of connection with the unseen world, reminding Muslims of Allah's (swt) absolute power and the complex workings of the universe. It fosters awe and humility while also serving as a moral compass, encouraging us to live righteous lives in consciousness of the ever-present watchers who record our actions.