Angels

Introduction

In Islam, angels are called malaikah. They were created by Allah from light. This makes them different from humans (who are made from clay).

Angels have very special jobs. One of their most important roles is to carry Allah’s messages to the prophets, so people know how to live and worship Allah.

Unlike humans, angels do not have free will. This means they cannot choose to do wrong or disobey Allah. They only do exactly what Allah commands them to do.

Believing in angels is one of the six articles of faith in Islam. For Muslims, this reminds them that there is more to life than what we can see, and that Allah is always in control of the universe.

Jibril - Angel of Revelation

One of the most important angels in Islam is Jibril, who is known as the Angel of Revelation as he had a key role in revealing Allah’s message to Muhammad, which was later to be written down as the Qur’an. 

Here are three key times Jibril communicated God’s message:

• To Maryam (Mary) - Jibril appeared to Mary to announce the miraculous birth of Isa, explaining that she would conceive him through the power of God.

• To Muhammad - Jibril appeared to Muhammad in the cave of Hira, to deliver the first verses of the Quran, marking the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood.

• To Muhammad during the Night Journey (Isra’ and Mi’raj) - Jibril accompanied Muhammad on his journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens, where he received important revelations and instructions from Allah.

Mikael (Michael) – Angel of Mercy and Provision

One of the most important angels in Islam, Mikael is associated with sustenance and natural forces.
Here are three key roles:

• Provider of sustenance – Mikael is believed to bring nourishment and rain to Earth by Allah’s command, ensuring life continues.

• Helper of the faithful – Islamic tradition describes Mikael as supporting believers in their struggles, both physical and spiritual.

• Partner to Jibril – Mikael, alongside Jibril, is mentioned as a loyal servant of Allah (Qur’an 2:98), affirming his high status in the angelic hierarchy.

Izrael (Azrael) – Angel of Death

Izrael’s main role is to oversee the taking of souls at the time of death.
Here are three key roles:

• Guardian of souls – Izrael separates the soul from the body at Allah’s command when a person’s life ends.

• Faithful vs. unfaithful – Tradition teaches that he gently takes the souls of believers but harshly pulls the souls of wrongdoers.

• Record keeper of death – Some Islamic traditions say Izrael holds a scroll of all humanity, noting when each soul will be taken.

Israfil (Raphael) – Angel of the Trumpet

Israfil is associated with the Day of Judgement and resurrection.
Here are three key roles:

• Blower of the Trumpet – Israfil will sound the trumpet at Allah’s command to announce the end of the world (Qur’an 39:68).

• Resurrection of the dead – At the second trumpet blast, all souls will be resurrected for judgment.

• Awaiting Allah’s command – Hadith describe Israfil as holding the trumpet to his lips, ready to blow it the moment Allah wills.