THE DIVINE MESSENGERS: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF ANGELS

Angels in Islam (In Arabic malāʾikah / ملائكة) are among the most important creations of Allah (SWT). They are mentioned throughout the Holy Qur’an and Hadith as pure, obedient, sinless beings who carry out divine responsibilities and tasks. Believing that angels are a creation of Allah (SWT) is a sign of faith in Islam, making it essential for every Muslim.

The Nature of Angels in Islam

They are created from light (nūr)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The angels were created from light…”

— [Sahih Muslim]

They do not have free will

Angels do only what Allah commands them to do. And they never disobey Him.

They do not eat, drink, sleep, or reproduce

Unlike humans and jinn, angels are non-material beings who do not possess worldly needs or desires.

They are Incredible in number

There are countless angels, far beyond human comprehension.

Belief that Angels exist is a Sign of Faith

“The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers… [They believe] in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers…”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285)

Denying the existence of angels is disbelief (kufr).

Named Angels and Their Roles

Although there are many angels, only a few are named in the Holy Qur’an and authentic Hadiths.

Jibrīl A.S / Angel Gabriel

• Role: The angel of divine revelations.
• He brought divine messages to all prophets.
• Also delivered the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Say, O Prophet Muhammad, “Whoever is an enemy of Gabriel should know that he revealed this Holy Quran to your heart by Allah’s Will, confirming what came before it—a guide and good news for the believers.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:97)

Mikā’īl A.S / Angel Michael

• Role: Oversees rainfall, sustenance, and the natural order by Allah’s Will
• He helps in distributing provision and supports life on Earth.

Isrāfīl A.S / Angel Israfil

• Role: He will blow the Trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment by Allah’s Will
• His first blow will bring the end of the world; the second will signal resurrection.

Angel Ridwan A.S

The duty of the Angel Ridwan is to guard and watch over the door of heaven. The Angel Ridwan is also tasked to welcome all servants of Allah (SWT) who will enter it. His behaviour is gentle and very friendly when allowing people to enter paradise by Allah’s Will.

Malak al-Mawt / Angel of Death

• Not named directly in the Holy Qur’an, but referred to as the “Angel of Death” (Malak al-Mawt).
• Takes the souls of people at the time of death by Allah’s Will

“Say, the Angel of Death who is entrusted with you will take you, then to your Lord you will be returned.”

— Surah As-Sajdah (32:11)

 Munkar and Nakīr

They question the deceased in the grave to test their faith. The outcome of this interrogation will determine whether the deceased will experience comfort or torment in the grave until the Day of Judgment. 

Kirāman Kātibīn

• Role: Recorders of deeds.
  • Right side: records good deeds.
  • Left side: records bad deeds.

As the two recording angels—one sitting to the right, and the other to the left—note everything, not a word does a person utter without having a vigilant observer ready to write it down.

— Surah Qāf (50:17–18)

Angels of Hell (Zabāniyah)

• They guard Hellfire and carry out punishment for the wicked.
• The chief among them is Mālik, the guardian of Hell.

Angels of Mercy

• These angels accompany believers, especially:
  • During prayers
  • While seeking knowledge
  • When making dhikr (remembrance of Allah)

Verses About Angels in the Qur’an

“[The angels] glorify Him night and day, and they never grow weary.”

— Surah Al-Anbiya (21:20)

“Over it are nineteen [angels]. We have appointed only stern angels as wardens of the Fire. And We have made their number only as a test for the disbelievers, so that the People of the Book will be certain, and the believers will increase in faith, and neither the People of the Book nor the believers will have any doubts, and so that those hypocrites with sickness in their hearts and the disbelievers will argue, “What does Allah mean by such a number?” In this way Allah leaves whoever He wills to stray and guides whoever He wills. And none knows the forces of your Lord except He. And this description of Hell is only a reminder to humanity.

— Surah Al-Muddaththir (74:30-31)

“[Angels] do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”

— Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)

Love Between Angels and Believers

• Angels pray for believers, especially those who
  • Seek knowledge
  • Pray in congregation
  • Make sincere repentance
  • Show patience

“The angels pray for those who believe: ‘Our Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of the merciful.’”

— Surah Ghāfir (40:7)

Why belief in existence of Angels matters?

Believing in existence of Angels

• Strengthens faith in the unseen (al-ghayb).
• Encourages good behaviour, knowing every deed is recorded.
• Increases hope (Angels bring mercy) and fear (Angels punish sin).

Conclusion

Angels in Islam are pure, noble servants of Allah (SWT) playing vital roles in the universe, the unseen world, and our daily lives. They are honored creations whose work serves as a reminder of Allah’s love, protection, wisdom, justice, and mercy. To believe in their existence is to believe in the unseen world that is part of every Muslim’s spiritual reality.