How does the Quran describe angels?

In a Nutshell: The Quran portrays angels (Malaika) as invisible beings of light created by Allah (swt) to worship Him and carry out His divine tasks. While their exact appearance remains unseen, the Quran offers glimpses into their characteristics, highlighting their immense power, obedience and diverse roles in the universe. Table of Contents Introduction Evidences Nature of Angels Attributes of Angels Diverse Roles of Angels Specific Angels in the Quran Scholarly Debates FAQs about Angels in Islam Introduction Angels (Malaika) are an integral part of Islamic belief. They are unseen beings created by Allah (swt) to serve Him and carry out His vast tasks across the universe. The Quran (swt) provides descriptions of angels, offering insights into their nature, purpose and roles in the divine plan. Understanding the Quranic descriptions of angels deepens our understanding of Allah's (swt) power, wisdom and the intricate workings of the cosmos. Evidences: Quranic Verses Describing Angels The Quran (swt) offers various descriptions of angels, highlighting their unique characteristics and functions. Here are some key verses: All praise belongs to Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, Who employs the angels as messengers, having wings, two, three and four. He adds to [His] creation whatever He pleases; for Allah has power over all things.(Quran 35:1) This verse establishes angels as messengers (Malaikah al-Risaalah) and describes them as possessing wings, though the exact number varies. [He is] Allah, from whom is [to come] the forgiveness and abundant mercy. It is He who sends down upon His servants angels constituting a safeguard, until there comes to one of them the certainty of death. Then the angels take his soul, [while] they say, Peace be upon you. You were good in your worldly life, so enter Paradise.(Quran 24:35) This verse portrays angels as enforcers of Divine Will, responsible for taking the souls of the deceased. The angels and the pious will say, 'Indeed, Allah is truthful in His promise.'"(Quran 39:75) Here, angels are depicted alongside the pious, emphasizing their obedience and devotion to Allah (swt). These are just a few examples and the Quran (swt) contains many other verses that describe the nature and roles of angels. How Does the Quran Describe Angels? The Quran (swt) offers a multifaceted portrayal of angels, revealing their unique characteristics and roles within the divine plan. Let's delve deeper into this analysis: Nature of Angels: Created from Light:The Quran (swt) suggests that angels are beings of light, distinct from humans created from clay (Quran 15:26). This signifies their purity and spiritual nature. Invisible Beings:Angels are inherently unseen by humans in their natural state (Quran 6:9). However, they can appear in human form when interacting with Prophets (Quran 20:10-12). Exist Outside the Human Realm:Angels exist in a realm beyond human comprehension, operating according to Allah's (swt) will (Quran 7:54). Attributes of Angels The Quran (swt) portrays angels as possessing specific attributes that distinguish them from humans and jinn (another unseen creation). Here are some key characteristics: Immense Strength: "Say, 'Who is able to disable you from Allah - if He intended to harm you or to benefit you?' But they will say, 'We are from Allah and to Him we will return.'"(Quran 35:10) This verse, along with others (e.g., Quran 72:8), highlights the immense strength and power bestowed upon angels by Allah (swt). They are capable of carrying out tasks beyond human or jinn capabilities. Obedience to Allah (swt): "They [angels] glorify Him [Allah] day and night, without ever tiring [thereof]."(Quran 21:20) Unlike humans and jinn who can choose between obedience and disobedience, angels are portrayed as inherently obedient to Allah's (swt) commands (Quran 66:6). They glorify Allah (swt) incessantly, fulfilling their designated roles flawlessly. Lack of Human Desires: "Nor do they [angels] precede Him in speech, but they speak only what He has commanded them and they act by His permission."(Quran 21:27) The Quran (swt) clarifies that angels are free from human desires and emotions like love, hate, or jealousy. They solely focus on fulfilling their divinely ordained tasks. These attributes paint a picture of angels as powerful, obedient and singularly focused beings dedicated to serving Allah (swt). Diverse Roles of Angels The Quran (swt) describes a vast array of roles undertaken by angels, demonstrating their significance in the divine plan. Here are some prominent examples: Messengers (Malaikah al-Risaalah): Certain angels, like Gabriel (Jibril) (Quran 2:97), are entrusted with conveying revelations from Allah (swt) to Prophets (Quran 81:19-21). Protectors: Angels are designated to protect believers from harm and evil influences (Quran 10:21). They may also guard specific locations, as mentioned in the Quran (swt) regarding the guardian angels of Paradise (Quran 37:35). Recorders of Deeds: The Quran (swt) mentions angels responsible for recording the good and bad deeds of humans (Quran 82:10-12). This serves as a reminder of our accountability before Allah (swt). Caretakers of Natural Phenomena: Islamic scholarship, based on Quranic references and hadiths, suggests that angels manage various aspects of the natural world, such as rain, wind and the growth of plants. These are just a few examples and the Quran (swt) alludes to a multitude of angelic functions that encompass the entirety of creation. Specific Angels in the Quran The Quran (swt) identifies specific angels with unique roles within the divine plan. Here are two prominent examples: Gabriel (Jibril): Archangel Gabriel (Jibril) holds a position of great significance. He is entrusted with delivering revelations to Prophets, including the Quran (swt) to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (Quran 2:97). Michael (Mikail): Islamic tradition, with Quranic references, identifies Michael (Mikail) as the angel responsible for tasks related to mercy, provision and natural phenomena like rain. Understanding the roles of specific angels deepens our appreciation for the intricate order established by Allah (swt) in the universe. Scholarly Debates While the Quran (swt) provides a clear picture of angels' existence and roles, some scholarly discussions have emerged regarding their exact form and nature. These discussions center around: The exact appearance of angels:The Quran (swt) mentions wings but doesn't elaborate on their physical form. Scholars debate whether this is a metaphorical description or a literal one. The number of wings:The Quran (swt) mentions variations in the number of wings (Surah Fatir 35:1). Scholars debate the significance of this variation. It's important to remember that these debates delve into areas where the Quran (swt) offers limited detail. The core message - the existence and importance of angels - remains clear. FAQs Can angels interact with humans? Yes, the Quran (swt) and Hadith narrations provide examples of angels interacting with humans, often in the form of messengers or protectors. They may appear in human form, as evidenced in the stories of Abraham (as) and Mary (as), or remain unseen while offering guidance and protection. Do we have guardian angels? The Islamic belief includes the concept of guardian angels (al-Mu'aqqibat) assigned to protect believers (Quran 13:11). This emphasizes Allah's (swt) care and protection for His servants. What happens to angels after death? Unlike humans, angels are not subject to death as we understand it. They are immortal beings who continue to exist and serve Allah (swt) for all eternity (Quran 20:9). Can we pray to angels for help? Prayers (dua) must be directed solely towards Allah (swt). While angels play a significant role in the divine plan, they are not intermediaries to be supplicated to or worshipped. Will we see angels in the afterlife? There are indications in Islamic eschatology that believers may encounter angels in the afterlife, particularly those who were involved in their earthly lives (Quran 17:85). Conclusion The Quran (swt) offers a rich tapestry of descriptions portraying angels as essential elements of Allah's (swt) creation. They are beings of light, possessing immense power and unwavering obedience, serving His divine purposes in ways that both surpass and complement human experience. While some details of their existence might remain beyond our immediate grasp, understanding their nature, attributes and roles deepens our appreciation for Allah's (swt) power, His intricate order and the unseen dimensions of existence. References Ahmad, I. A. (2005). Signs of the unseen world: The angels and jinns. Herndon, VA: International Institute of Islamic Thought. Ibn Kathir, I. (2000). Stories of the prophets. Riyadh: Darussalam. Murata, S. (1992). The Tao of Islam: A sourcebook on gender relationships in Islamic thought. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. Stowasser, B.F (1996). Women in the Qur'an: Traditions and Interpretation. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.