Angels in Islam Understanding the Malaika and Their Divine Roles

Angels in Islam Understanding the Malaika and Their Divine Roles

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Since the creation of the skies and the earth, Allah has created many beings, among them the malaika (angels). These creatures, invisible to us, were created long before humans. But how can we be sure they (angels or malaika) exist? And why is belief in angels so crucial in Islam?

The Importance of Belief in Malaika

Belief in angels or Malaika is explicitly mentioned twice in the Quran as a fundamental part of imaan (faith). Disbelieving in angels is equated with disbelieving in Islam itself. One of these verses was revealed in the seventh heaven during the Night of Ascension, a moment of immense significance, where an angel was sent down to deliver glad tidings.

Why Can't We See Angels?

This question has puzzled many. The Quran swears by things visible and invisible, highlighting that some creations are perpetually unseen by us (humans). While we cannot see air or smell, we can detect them through their effects. However, angels are made of a substance beyond our sensory detection.
Scientifically, anything visible or detectable emits signals within the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible spectrum, which our eyes perceive, is a tiny fraction only about 0.0035% of this entire band. This means 99.9965% of the universe remains invisible and undetectable to us.
Scientifically, anything visible or detectable emits signals within the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible spectrum, which our eyes perceive, is a tiny fraction only about 0.0035% of this entire band. This means 99.9965% of the universe remains invisible and undetectable to us.
If something is made of material outside this spectrum, it is beyond our ability to see or detect. Angels, created from noor (a form of cold light), fall into this category. Unlike humans, who are made of clay, or jinn, made of smokeless fire, angels are created from a light unknown to science.

The Nature and Roles of Angels

The Quran refers to angels as malaika, derived from roots meaning "to rule" and "messenger" reflecting their obedience to Allah and their role in delivering Almighty Allah's messages.
Angels do not have physical needs like eating or sleeping, nor do they possess emotions unless created for specific purpose. For example, some angels are created for anger and harshness like Malik the angel of Jahanam (Hell).

Angels Close to Humans

From conception to death, angels are assigned to every human being some examples are:
An angel or Malaika records the stages of fetal development and writes down the unborn child's gender, lifespan, sustenance, and destiny.

Angels Close to Humans

From conception to death, angels are assigned to every human being some examples are:
An angel or Malaika records the stages of fetal development and writes down the unborn child's gender, lifespan, sustenance, and destiny.

1. After birth, a guardian angel protects the child until the age of understanding.
2. Two angels record a person's deeds throughout life.
3. At death, the angel of death (known as Izraeel) takes the soul.
4. In the grave two angels Munkar and Nakir question the deceased. These angels are described as highly respectful and blessed with the highest manners. They even draw back during impure states, such as when a person is unwashed.

Guardian Angels and Protection

1. Every human has guardian angels who protect them by Allah's will. These angels shield even from fatal harm unless it is destined. Historical accounts mention angels protecting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during battles.

The Angel of Death

1. Known as Izraeel, the angel of death oversees the souls and knows all realms of the earth. He checks on the residents five times daily to determine if their time has come but cannot take a soul without Allah's permission.
2. Other angels serve under Izraeel, causing either harsh or gentle deaths.
   Angels of the Grave
   After burial, the deceased is visited by two black angels with blue eyes Munkar and Nakir who test the faith of the departed.
3. Other angels serve under Izraeel causing either harsh or gentle deaths.

Angels of the Grave

1. After burial, the deceased is visited by two black angels with blue eyes, Munkar and Nakir, who test the faith of the departed. There is also mention of an Malaika (angel) in the grave of disbelievers who shows a mighty hammer.

The Vast Presence of Angels

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described in one hadith that the skies as filled with angels in constant prostration to Allah, leaving no empty space. Angels also serve various roles, including Protecting humans, Managing natural phenomena like clouds and winds, Delivering messages and revelations to prophets and some non-prophets, Angels appear as humans when interacting with non-prophets, as seen in the stories of Maryam (Mary) and Sarah.

Powerful and Mysterious Angels

There are Malaika or angels with extraordinary characteristics. For example, One angel in the first sky has a body half of ice and half of fire, Another in the third sky has 70,000 heads, each with 70,000 mouths and tongues praising Allah in multiple languages and The angel Malik is the custodian of Hell, forbidding the dead from leaving.

Top 4 notable angels

Michael (Mikael): Provides sustenance and commands angels and is also responsible for rain and food.
Israfeel: Assigned to blow the trumpet (soor) on the Day of Judgment.
Jibrael (Gabriel): The mighty angel who brought revelations to the prophets, including the Quran. He appeared to Prophet Muhammad in his true form with 600 wings covering the whole sky, adorned with precious gems.

The Angelic Hierarchy and Worship

On the seventh heaven is Bayt-al-Mamoor, a house of worship always visited by 70,000 angels daily. Angels who carry the Throne of Allah (Arsh e Moula) and those near it continuously praise and worship Allah.

The Limits of Human Understanding

The human mind cannot fully understand the true nature of angels. Their forms and powers are beyond human imagination and scientific detection. we humans are still researching on 4th dimension and scientists have discovered 12 dimensions till now.

Conclusion

Angels are always around us recording our deeds, protecting us, and fulfilling Allah's commands. They join gatherings where Allah is remembered (Dhikrullah) and report back Almighty Allah.
Allah's forgiveness is vast and the angels bear witness to Allah's mercy on those who worship Him sincerely.
This overview from the youtube video of Furqan Qureshi Blogs highlights the profound and many-sided role angels play in Islamic belief, emphasizing their unseen but vital presence in the universe and human life.