Belief in Angels JSS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

BELIEF IN ANGELS

Belief in Angels is one of the six pillars of faith in Islam. Muslims must believe in angels to have complete faith. Angels are special beings created by Allah from light. They are invisible to our normal eyes. Angels are always obedient to Allah and never disobey Him. They have no free will to choose between right and wrong, unlike humans and jinn.

Creation of Angels

Allah created angels from light (Noor). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Angels were created from light, jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you (clay).” (Sahih Muslim)

Angels were created before humans. They have no physical needs like eating, drinking, or sleeping. They do not get tired from worshipping Allah. Angels can take different forms when they appear to humans, but their true form is known only to Allah.

Characteristics of Angels

1. Physical Characteristics

• Created from light
• Have wings (some have two, three, four, or more wings)
• Can travel very fast
• Can change their appearance when needed
• Do not eat or drink
• Do not sleep
• Do not get tired
• Do not have gender (they are neither male nor female)
• Do not have children
• Do not die until Allah commands the end of the world

2. Spiritual Characteristics

• Always obedient to Allah
• Never disobey Allah’s commands
• Have no free will to choose between good and evil
• Constantly worship Allah
• Cannot be seen by humans in their true form
• Have special powers given by Allah
• Cannot do anything without Allah’s permission

Functions of Angels

Angels have many different jobs assigned by Allah. Here are some of their main duties:

1. Worship of Allah

The primary duty of all angels is to worship Allah. They glorify Allah day and night without getting tired. The Qur’an says: “They glorify His Praises night and day, they never slacken.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:20)

2. Carrying Allah’s Messages

Some angels, like Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), are messengers who bring Allah’s revelations to His prophets. Angel Jibreel brought the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

3. Protection of Humans

Allah has appointed guardian angels to protect humans. The Qur’an says: “For each person, there are angels in front and behind him, protecting him by Allah’s command.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11)

4. Recording Deeds

Two angels are assigned to each person to record their good and bad deeds. The angel on the right writes down good deeds, and the angel on the left writes down bad deeds. These angels are called Kiraman Katibeen (Noble Recorders).

5. Supporting Believers

Angels support believers, especially during difficult times. During the Battle of Badr, Allah sent thousands of angels to help the Muslims.

6. Taking Souls

The Angel of Death (Malak al-Maut, also known as Azrael) is responsible for taking the souls of people when they die.

7. Testing People in the Grave

After burial, two angels named Munkar and Nakir question the dead person about their faith.

8. Managing Natural Events

Some angels are in charge of rain, mountains, oceans, and other natural aspects of our world.

9. Carrying Allah’s Throne

Special angels carry the Throne of Allah (Arsh).

10. Managing Paradise and Hell

Angels like Ridwan guard Paradise, while angels like Malik are in charge of Hell.

Major Angels Mentioned in Islamic Texts

1. Jibreel (Gabriel)

The most important angel, who brought revelations to prophets. He brought the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years. He also appears in the stories of other prophets like Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus).

2. Mikael (Michael)

In charge of rain, plants, and sustenance for all living beings. He distributes provision and blessing.

3. Israfil

He will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment to signal the end of the world and the resurrection of all people.

4. Azrael (Malak al-Maut)

The Angel of Death who takes the souls of people when they die. His actual name is not mentioned in the Qur’an or authentic hadith, but he is referred to as Malak al-Maut (Angel of Death).

5. Munkar and Nakir

Two angels who question people in their graves about their faith, asking: “Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?”

6. Raqib and Atid

The recording angels who write down all our deeds. Raqib records good deeds, and Atid records bad deeds.

7. Ridwan

The guardian of Paradise.

8. Malik

The guardian of Hell.

Angels in the Qur’an and Hadith

The Qur’an and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) mention angels in many places:

In the Qur’an:

• “Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Jibreel and Mikael, then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:98)
• “The Messiah (Jesus) would never disdain to be a servant of Allah, nor would the angels near to Him.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:172)
• “Praise be to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, who made angels messengers with wings, two, three, or four.” (Surah Fatir, 35:1)

In Hadith:

• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The angels spread their wings for the seeker of knowledge, being pleased with what he does.” (Abu Dawud)
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Angels keep on descending from and ascending to Heaven in turn, some at night and some by day, and all of them assemble together at the time of Fajr and Asr prayers.” (Bukhari)

Angels’ Interactions with Humans

Angels interact with humans in various ways:

1. Protection

Guardian angels protect humans from harm by Allah’s permission.

2. Recording Deeds

Angels record all our actions, words, and intentions.

3. Support in Good Deeds

Angels surround gatherings where Allah is remembered. They attend Qur’an recitation and prayers.

4. Angels’ Prayers for Humans

Angels pray for people who do good deeds. For example, angels pray for those who pray for others, those who visit the sick, and those who teach good to others.

5. Testing in the Grave

After death, angels question people about their faith.

Differences Between Angels, Humans, and Jinn

Angels:

• Created from light
• Cannot disobey Allah
• Have no free will
• Do not eat or drink
• Have no gender
• Always worship Allah

Humans:

• Created from clay/earth
• Can choose to obey or disobey Allah
• Have free will
• Need to eat and drink
• Have gender (male or female)
• Should worship Allah, but some don’t

Jinn:

• Created from smokeless fire
• Can choose to obey or disobey Allah
• Have free will
• Need to eat and drink
• Have gender (male or female)
• Some worship Allah, others don’t

The Wisdom Behind Belief in Angels

1. Understanding Allah’s Greatness

Knowing about angels helps us understand how great Allah is. He created these powerful beings who serve Him perfectly.

2. Feeling Allah’s Care

Allah appointed angels to help and protect us, showing His care for humans.

3. Awareness of Our Actions

Knowing that angels record our deeds encourages us to do good and avoid bad actions.

4. Appreciation of the Unseen World

Belief in angels reminds us that there is more to existence than what we can see.

5. Following Divine Guidance

Angels help deliver Allah’s guidance to humanity, showing the importance of following this guidance.

Misconceptions About Angels

1. Angels are Not Female

Some people wrongly think angels are female. The Qur’an clearly rejects this idea.

2. Angels are Not to be Worshipped

Angels are servants of Allah, not to be worshipped. Worshipping angels is a form of shirk (associating partners with Allah).

3. Angels are Not Fallen Beings

In Islam, all angels are obedient. The story of a “fallen angel” is not part of Islamic belief. Iblis (Satan) was a jinn, not an angel.

4. Angels Do Not Have Free Will

Angels always obey Allah. They cannot choose to sin or disobey.

Practical Lessons from Belief in Angels

1. Be Mindful of Your Actions

Remember that angels are recording everything you do, say, and intend.

2. Surround Yourself with Good

Angels attend gatherings of remembrance of Allah and avoid places of sin.

3. Be Consistent in Worship

Angels worship Allah without getting tired. Try to be regular in your prayers and worship.

4. Be Helpful to Others

Angels help believers. Try to help others as much as you can.

5. Seek Protection from Allah

While guardian angels protect us, ultimate protection comes from Allah. Make dua (prayer) for protection regularly.

Conclusion

Belief in angels is essential in Islam. Angels are noble creatures created by Allah from light. They carry out many important duties, from delivering revelation to recording our deeds to protecting believers. Understanding angels helps us appreciate Allah’s power and wisdom in creating different types of beings. It also reminds us that we are always in the presence of these noble creatures who witness and record our actions. This knowledge should motivate us to live righteous lives that please Allah.

By believing in angels, we acknowledge an important part of the unseen world. This strengthens our faith and helps us understand our place in Allah’s creation. It reminds us that we are never alone – Allah’s angels are always with us, supporting us in our journey of faith.