This document provides a brief discussion on angels, which are one of the components of faith (Iman) in Islam. It defines angels as spiritual creations of God that were created to worship Him. It outlines the beliefs about angels in other faiths such as Judaism, Christianity, and the pagan Arabs. It then discusses the specific roles and characteristics of important angels like Gabriel and Michael. The discussion emphasizes that belief in angels is the second pillar of faith in Islam.

1. Out of Sight - I
BRIEF DISCUSSION ON ANGELS
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2. 1 COMPONENTS OF DEEN .............................................................................................................................................3
2 BELIEF IN THE ANGELS ................................................................................................................................................4
2.1 DEFINITION OF ANGELS ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 POSITION OF OTHER FAITHS ................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3 THE PAGAN ARABS............................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4 PHILOSOPHERS .................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.5 JEWISH BELIEF ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 CHRISTIAN BELIEF .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.7 WISDOM OF CREATING ANGELS ............................................................................................................................................ 8
2.8 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.8.1 Specific ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
2.8.1.1 Jibreel :: Archangel & Messenger ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.8.1.2 Meeka’eel :: Vegetation & Rain ................................................................................................................................... 8
2.8.1.3 Israfeel :: Trumpet of The Judgment Day .................................................................................................................... 8
2.8.1.4 Angels who guard Hellfire ........................................................................................................................................... 8
2.8.1.5 Angels who guard the Paradise ................................................................................................................................... 9
2.8.1.6 Two Angels in the grave .............................................................................................................................................. 9
2.8.1.7 Angel of death ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
2.8.1.8 Angels who are the recorders of deeds ....................................................................................................................... 9
2.8.1.9 The guardian angels .................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.9 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ANGELS ....................................................................................................................................... 10
2.9.1 Created to Worship Allah .................................................................................................................................. 10
2.9.2 Commits no Sin & no Free Will .......................................................................................................................... 10
2.9.3 Are of various levels ........................................................................................................................................... 10
2.9.4 Do not have gender ........................................................................................................................................... 10
2.9.5 They have wings ................................................................................................................................................ 10
2.9.6 They have the ability to change ......................................................................................................................... 10
2.9.7 Never tire of Worshipping Allah ........................................................................................................................ 11
2.9.8 Neither eat nor drink ......................................................................................................................................... 11
2.9.9 Enormous in numbers ........................................................................................................................................ 11
2.9.10 Have Haya..................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.9.11 Fears Allah .................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.9.12 Things that harm people harm Angels .......................................................................................................... 12
2.9.13 Loves the righteous & pray for them ............................................................................................................ 12
2.9.14 Pray against wrong doers ............................................................................................................................. 12
2.10 EFFECTS OF BELIEF IN THE ANGELS .................................................................................................................................. 14
3 HIGHER STATUS :: ANGELS OR HUMAN ?.................................................................................................................. 15
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3. 1 Components of Deen
There are three components of the Deen
Sahih Muslim Book 001, Number 0001:One day we were sitting in the company of Allah's Apostle (peace be
upon him) when there appeared before us a man dressed in pure white clothes, his hair extraordinarily black.
There were no signs of travel on him. None amongst us recognized him.
At last he sat with the Apostle (peace be upon him) He knelt before him placed his palms on his thighs and said:
Muhammad, inform me about al-Islam.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Al-Islam implies that you testify that there is no god but Allah
and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and you establish prayer, pay Zakat, observe the fast of
Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the (House) if you are solvent enough (to bear the expense of) the journey.
He (the inquirer) said: You have told the truth.
He (Umar ibn al-Khattab) said: It amazed us that he would put the question and then he would himself verify the
truth.
He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about Iman (faith).
He (the Holy Prophet) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Apostles, in
the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil.
He (the inquirer) said: You have told the truth.
He (the inquirer) again said: Inform me about al-Ihsan (performance of good deeds).
He (the Holy Prophet) said: That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for though you don't see Him, He,
verily, sees you.
He (the enquirer) again said: Inform me about the hour (of the Doom).
He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: One who is asked knows no more than the one who is inquiring (about it).
He (the inquirer) said: Tell me some of its indications.
He (the Holy Prophet) said: That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and master, that you will find
barefooted, destitute goat-herds vying with one another in the construction of magnificent buildings.
He (the narrator, Umar ibn al-Khattab) said: Then he (the inquirer) went on his way but I stayed with him (the
Holy Prophet) for a long while.
He then, said to me: Umar, do you know who this inquirer was? I replied: Allah and His Apostle knows best. He
(the Holy Prophet) remarked: He was Gabriel (the angel). He came to you in order to instruct you in matters of
religion.
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4. 2 Belief in the Angels
It is the second pillar of Eeman.
Sahih International: The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so
have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His
messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We
hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination." [ Surah
al-Baqarah 2, Ayat 285 ]
Sahih International: Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but
[true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the
prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those
who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who]
fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and
during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.[ Surah al-
Baqarah 2, Ayat 177 ]
Sahih International: Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and
Michael – then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.[ Surah al-Baqarah 2, Ayat 98 ]
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5. 2.1 Definition of Angels
Sahih International: [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, [who] made the
angels messengers having wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed,
Allah is over all things competent. [ SurahFatir 35, Ayat 1 ]
Sahih International: And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, "It has
been inspired to me," while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, "I will reveal
[something] like what Allah revealed." And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the
overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], "Discharge your souls!
Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against
Allah other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant." [ Surah al-An’am
6, Ayat 93 ]
Sahih International: Indeed, those who do not believe in the Hereafter name the angels female names,
And they have thereof no knowledge. They follow not except assumption, and indeed, assumption
avails not against the truth at all. [ Surah an-Najm 53, Ayat 27 - 28 ]
Aysha (R) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said, "The angels were created from light, the jinn were
created from fire. Man was created from what has been described to you." [ Muslim ]
According to IbnHajar, Sa'id bin al-Musayyab, "The angels are neither male nor female. They neither
eat nor drink. They do not marry nor have children."
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6. 2.2 Position of Other Faiths
2.3 The Pagan Arabs
Sahih International: And they have made the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, females.
Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned. [
SurahAz-Zukhruf 43, Ayat 19 ]
Sahih International: So inquire of them, [O Muhammad], "Does your Lord have daughters while they
have sons? Or did We create the angels as females while they were witnesses?" Unquestionably, it is
out of their [invented] falsehood that they say, "Allah has begotten," and indeed, they are liars. Has He
chosen daughters over sons? What is [wrong] with you? How do you make judgment ? Then will you
not be reminded? Or do you have a clear authority ?[ Surah as-Saffat 43, Ayat 19 ]
2.4 Philosophers
They believe that Angels are figments of the Prophets’ imagination.
2.5 Jewish Belief
1) Angels carry out God's order.
2) They believe that bad things also happen by angels.
3) Some Jews (during the prophet) were showing hatred or enmity towards Jibreel. As Allah SWT
says
Sahih International: Say, "Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – it is [none but] he who has brought the
Qur’an down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], by permission of Allah, confirming that which was
before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers." Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His
angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael – then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the
disbelievers. [ Surah al-Baqarah 1, Ayat 97 - 98 ]
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7. 2.6 Christian Belief
1) Angels are creation of God.
2) They carry out God’s word and they are His minions.
3) Always depicted as humans, even though they believe they have no physical existence.
4) They are shown with wings.
5) New Testament mentions angelic hierarchy.
6) There can be good and bad (fallen) angels. Ash-Shaytaan and demons are fallen angels.
7) Guardian Angels attend God’s throne.
8) Modern Christianity promotes that after death a righteous soul will turn into an Angel.
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8. 2.7 Wisdom of Creating Angels
2.8 General
Sahih International: Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His
worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.[ Surah Al-A'raf 7, Ayat 206 ]
Sahih International: They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken. [ Surah al-Anbiya 21, Ayat
206 ]
Sahih International: And indeed, we are those who line up [for prayer]. [ Surah As-Saffat 37 , Ayat
165 ]
2.8.1 Specific
2.8.1.1 Jibreel :: Archangel & Messenger
Sahih International: [He is] the Exalted above [all] degrees, Owner of the Throne; He places the
inspiration of His command upon whom He wills of His servants to warn of the Day of Meeting. [
SurahGhafir 40, Ayat 15 ]
Sahih International: He sends down the angels, with the inspiration of His command, upon whom He
wills of His servants, [telling them], "Warn that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me." [ Surah an-
Nahl 16, Ayat 2 ]
Sahih International: The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] –
that you may be of the warners– [ Surah ash-Shu'ara 26, Ayat 193 - 194 ]
2.8.1.2 Meeka’eel :: Vegetation & Rain
2.8.1.3 Israfeel :: Trumpet of The Judgment Day
2.8.1.4 Angels who guard Hellfire
Sahih International: And they will call, "O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!" He will say, "Indeed,
you will remain." [ Surahaz-Zukhruf 43, Ayat 77 ]
Sahih International: And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach
it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, “Did there not come to you messengers from
yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of
yours?" They will say, "Yes, but the word of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers. [
Surahaz-Zumar 39, Ayat 71 ]
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9. Sahih International: It lets nothing remain and leaves nothing [unburned], Blackening the skins. Over it
are nineteen [angels]. And We have not made the keepers of the Fire except angels. And We have not
made their number except as a trial for those who disbelieve – that those who were given the
Scripture will be convinced and those who have believed will increase in faith and those who were
given the Scripture and the believers will not doubt and that those in whose hearts is hypocrisy and the
disbelievers will say, "What does Allah intend by this as an example?" Thus does Allah leave astray
whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him. And
mention of the Fire is not but a reminder to humanity. [ Surah al-Mudaththir 74, Ayat 28 - 31 ]
2.8.1.5 Angels who guard the Paradise
Sahih International: But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when
they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say, "Peace be upon you; you have
become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein," [they will enter].[ Surahaz-Zumar 39, Ayat 71 ]
2.8.1.6 Two Angels in the grave
Sahih International: Allah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in worldly life and in the
Hereafter. And Allah sends astray the wrongdoers. And Allah does what He wills. [ Surah Ibrahim 14,
Ayat 27 ]
2.8.1.7 Angel of death
He and his associate angels take the souls of living beings during their death. Usually called Azraeel.
But there is NO proof for this name.
2.8.1.8 Angels who are the recorders of deeds
Sahih International: And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers, Noble and recording; They know
whatever you do. [ Surah al-Infitar 82, Ayat 10 -12 ]
 Two Angels :: Left & Right Shoulder
 One Angel :: Records Everything
2.8.1.9 The guardian angels
Sahih International: For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by
the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in
themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them
besides Him any patron. [ SurahRa'd 13, Ayat 11 ]
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10. 2.9 Characteristics of the Angels
2.9.1 Created to Worship Allah
Sahih International: And to Allah prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth
of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant. [ Surah an-Nahl 16, Ayat 49 ]
2.9.2 Commits no Sin & no Free Will
Sahih International: O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose
fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey
Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded. [ Surah at-Tahrim 66, Ayat 6 ]
2.9.3 Are of various levels
Sahih International: And by the dawn when it breathes [That] indeed, the Qur’an is a word [conveyed
by] a noble messenger [Who is] possessed of power and with the Owner of the Throne, secure [in
position], Obeyed there [in the heavens] and trustworthy. And your companion is not [at all] mad. [
Surah at-Takwir 81, Ayat 18 - 22 ]
2.9.4 Do not have gender
Sahih International: Or has He taken, out of what He has created, daughters and chosen you for
[having] sons? And when one of them is given good tidings of that which he attributes to the Most
Merciful in comparison, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. So is one brought up in
ornaments while being during conflict unevident [attributed to Allah]? And they have made the angels,
who are servants of the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will
be recorded, and they will be questioned. [ Surahaz-Zukhruf 43, Ayat 16 - 19 ]
2.9.5 They have wings
Sahih International: [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, [who] made the
angels messengers having wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed,
Allah is over all things competent. [ SurahFatir 35, Ayat 1 ]
2.9.6 They have the ability to change
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11. Sahih International: And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel,
and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, "Indeed, I seek refuge in the
Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah." He said, "I am only the
messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy." [ Surah Maryam 19, Ayat 17 - 19 ]
2.9.7 Never tire of Worshipping Allah
Sahih International: They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken. [ Surah al-Anbiya' 21, Ayat
20 ]
2.9.8 Neither eat nor drink
Sahih International: And certainly did Our messengers come to Abraham with good tidings; they said,
"Peace." He said, "Peace," and did not delay in bringing [them] a roasted calf. But when he saw their
hands not reaching for it, he distrusted them and felt from them apprehension. They said, "Fear not.
We have been sent to the people of Lot." [ SurahHud 11, Ayat 69 - 70 ]
2.9.9 Enormous in numbers
Sahih International: And We have not made the keepers of the Fire except angels. And We have not
made their number except as a trial for those who disbelieve – that those who were given the
Scripture will be convinced and those who have believed will increase in faith and those who were
given the Scripture and the believers will not doubt and that those in whose hearts is hypocrisy and the
disbelievers will say, "What does Allah intend by this as an example?" Thus does Allah leave astray
whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him. And
mention of the Fire is not but a reminder to humanity. [ Surah al-Muddaththir 74, Ayat 31 ]
2.9.10 Have Haya
Aisha (Ra) reports: The Prophet (saw) was lying down in his house with his thighs or his calves
exposes. Abu Bakr asked permission to enter and was permitted while the Prophet (saw) was in that
position and he came in and spoke with him (saw). Then, Umar asked permission to enter. He was
granted permission and came in and spoke with him (saw) while in that position. Then, Uthman asked
permission and the Prophet (saw) sat up and straightened his clothing. He was then permitted and
came in and spoke with the Prophet (sas). After he had gone, Aisha said: Abu Bakr entered and you
did not get up for him or worry about him and Umar came in and you did not get up for him nor worry
about him but when Uthman came in, you straigtened out your clothing! The Prophet (saw) said:
"Should I not be shy of a man around whom the angels are shy?" [ Muslim ]
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12. 2.9.11 Fears Allah
Sahih International: And intercession does not benefit with Him except for one whom He permits.
[And those wait] until, when terror is removed from their hearts, they will say [to one another], "What
has your Lord said?" They will say, "The truth." And He is the Most High, the Grand. [ Surah Saba' 34,
Ayat 23 ]
2.9.12 Things that harm people harm Angels
Narrated By Jabir bin 'Abdullah : The Prophet said, "Whoever eats garlic or onion should k eep away
from our mosque or should remain in his house." (Jabir bin 'Abdullah, in another narration said, "Once
a big pot containing c ooked vegetables was brought. On finding unpleasant smell coming from it, the
Prophet asked, 'What is in it?' He was told all the names of the vegetables that were in it. The Prophet
ordered that it should be brought near to some of his companions who were with him. When the
Prophet saw it he disliked to eat it and said, 'Eat. (I don't eat) for I converse with those whom you don't
converse with (i.e. the angels)." [ Bukhari ]
Al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Jabir and other Sahaabah, Prophet (saw) said, "Whoever eats garlic or
onion, let him avoid us and our masjid, and stay in his home. The angels are surely hurt by things that
hurt the human beings.
2.9.13 Loves the righteous & pray for them
Sahih International: It is He who confers blessing upon you, and His angels [ask Him to do so] that He
may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And ever is He, to the believers, Merciful. [ Surah al-
Ahzab 33, Ayat 43 ]
Sahih International: The heavens almost break from above them, and the angels exalt [Allah] with
praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on earth. Unquestionably, it is Allah who is the
Forgiving, the Merciful. [ Surah ash-Shura 42, Ayat 5 ]
Sahih International: Those [angels] who carry the Throne and those around it exalt [Allah] with praise
of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed, [saying], "Our Lord,
You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and
followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire. [ SurahGhafir 40, Ayat 7 ]
2.9.14 Pray against wrong doers
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13. Sahih International: Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers – upon them will
be the curse of Allah and of the angels and the people, all together, [ Surah al-Baqarah, Ayat 161 ]
Sahih International: How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and had
witnessed that the Messenger is true and clear signs had come to them? And Allah does not guide the
wrongdoing people. Those – their recompense will be that upon them is the curse of Allah and the
angels and the people, all together, [ Surah ali-Imran 3, Ayat 86 - 87 ]
Sahih International: Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after
We made it clear for the people in the Scripture – those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who
curse, [ Surah al-Baqarah 2, Ayat 159 ]
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14. 2.10 Effects of Belief in the Angels
1) Protects from the false belief and heresy:Correct belief in all pillars of Eemaan helps us from
falling in the trap of false belief.
2) Aids the believers in remaining steadfast in their religion: It reminds the believer that he is not
alone in worshipping Allah SWT.
3) Helps the Believers to be patient:When we know that angels are praying for us, it encourages
us to be steadfast in our religion.
4) Shows the honor of the believing human ::
a. Even though the angels are so righteous, noble and special, Allah SWT had told them to
prostrate before Adam and serve people.
b. Allah SWT says that He has honored human kind.
i. And indeed We have honored the Children of Adam, and We have carried them
on land and sea, and have provided them with lawful good things, and have
preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked
preference. [ Surah al-Isra 17, Ayat 70]
5) Demonstrates the Greatness of our Lord: When we learn about the might and power of some of
the angels we appreciate the greatness of our Creator.
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15. 3 Higher Status :: Angels or Human ?
 Al-Mu'tazilaare the group who first raised the issue that the angels are better than the human.
 Shia' say: Their imams are better than angels. who in turn are better than human. (Imam >
angels > human)
 IbnAbee Al-'Izz Al-Hanafee mentioned that the opinion of Ahl As-Sunnah is that the Prophets
and righteous humans are better than the Angels, even though he himself refrained from giving
an opinion on the issue.
 Imam Ibn-Taymiah clarified this issue by stating that:
o "Angels are better in this worldly life, but in the hereafter as the human being enter the
paradise, they are better than the angels."
 No action is based on this issue, so it is not of practical importance
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