Key beliefs in IslamAngels

Most Muslims believe that angels or malaikah were created before humans with the purpose of following the orders of Allah and communicating with humans.

Angels are immortal, are made of light and have wings. They are pure and cannot sin. They obey and serve Allah at all times.

They praise God:

Angels can appear in human form and there are some who have specific roles, including guardian angels.

The role of angels

• They act as messengers to the prophets.
• They take care of people.
• They record everything a person does, and this information is used on the Day of Judgement.
• Izrail, the Angel of Death, takes people’s souls to God when they die.
• They welcome Muslims into Paradise and also supervise the pits of Hell.

Angel Jibril

Angel Jibril (known in Christianity as the Angel Gabriel) always brings good news. He is mentioned in both the Qur’an and the Hadith.

He revealed Allah’s words (the Qur’an) to Muhammad on the Night of Power so he is known as the Angel of Revelation. He played a vital role in communicating the final version of Islam to humanity.

The Angel Jibril appeared to Maryam, who in Christianity is known as Mary. Jibril told her she was pregnant with Isa (Jesus).

Jibril knows the beauty of Paradise but also how hard it is to get there. He has seen Hell and knows that no one would want to be sent there.

Angel Mika’il

Also known as Michael, the Angel Mika’il is a friend to humanity and known as the giver of rain and food. He is believed to reward people who do good deeds.

He asks Allah to forgive people’s sins as he is the Angel of Mercy. Both the Angel Jibril and the Angel Mika’il will be present on the Day of Judgement.

Other angels

There are other angels in Islam, such as Izrail, the Angel of Death, who takes the souls from bodies when people die so they can enter the afterlife.

Israfil is another angel. It is believed that he will blow a trumpet to announce the Day of Judgement.