Belief in the Angels Basic 4 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Definition of Angels

What are Angels?

• Angels are special beings created by Allah (God)
• They are made of light (Nur)
• They are invisible to human eyes normally
• They are created to worship and obey Allah

Purpose of Angels

• Angels carry out Allah’s commands
• They serve as messengers between Allah and humans
• They protect and help believers
• They record people’s good and bad deeds

Difference from Humans

• Angels do not eat, drink, or sleep
• They do not get tired or feel pain
• They always obey Allah perfectly
• They do not have free will like humans
• They cannot sin or disobey Allah

Quranic verse: “They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them and do what they are commanded” (Quran 66:6)

Why We Should Believe in Angels

• Belief in angels is one of the six pillars of faith (Iman)
• Allah mentions angels many times in the Quran
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us about angels
• Angels play important roles in our daily lives

Characteristics of Angels

Made of Light

• Angels are created from pure light (Nur)
• This light is different from the light we see
• They are spiritual beings, not physical like humans
• They can appear in different forms when Allah allows

They Have Wings

• Angels have wings to move quickly
• Some angels have two wings, some have more
• Angel Jibril has 600 wings   
• Their wings help them travel instantly anywhere

They Are Very Strong

• Angels have great power given by Allah
• They can move mountains and clouds
• They can carry out Allah’s commands with ease
• Their strength comes from Allah

They Are Very Beautiful

• Angels are created with perfect beauty
• They have no flaws or imperfections
• When people see angels, they are amazed by their beauty
• Their beauty reflects Allah’s perfect creation

They Can Take Different Forms

• Angels usually appear in their true angelic form
• Sometimes Allah allows them to appear as humans
• Angel Jibril sometimes appeared as a man to the Prophet
• They can become visible when Allah permits

They Are Countless

• There are millions and millions of angels
• Only Allah knows the exact number
• Some angels worship in heaven constantly
• Others have special duties on earth

They Never Get Tired

• Angels worship Allah day and night without stopping
• They never need rest or sleep
• They continue their duties without getting weary
• Their energy comes from Allah

They Have Knowledge

• Angels know what Allah teaches them
• They understand languages and can communicate
• They have knowledge about their specific duties
• But only Allah has complete knowledge of everything

Names and Functions of Major Angels

Angel Jibril (Gabriel)

Who is Jibril:

• He is the most important angel
• He is the chief messenger angel
• He is also called “Ruh al-Qudus” (Holy Spirit)
• He is the strongest and most honored angel

Functions of Jibril:

• Brings revelations from Allah to prophets
  1. He brought the Quran to Prophet Muhammad
  2. He brought the Torah to Prophet Musa (Moses)
  3. He brought the Gospel to Prophet Isa (Jesus)
  4. He brought messages to all prophets
• Protects prophets and believers
  1. He helped Prophet Muhammad during difficult times
  2. He assists believers when they need help
  3. He gives strength to those who follow Allah
• Punishes enemies of Allah
  1. He destroyed the people of Prophet Lut
  2. He can bring Allah’s punishment to wrongdoers

Quranic verse: “Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – it is [none but] he who has brought the Quran down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], by permission of Allah” (Quran 2:97)

Angel Mikail (Michael)

Who is Mikail:

• He is one of the four main archangels
• He is responsible for natural phenomena
• He controls weather and natural resources
• He provides sustenance (rizq) to all creatures

Functions of Mikail:

• Controls rain and weather
  1. He brings rain when Allah commands
  2. He controls winds, storms, and weather patterns
  3. He ensures proper seasons come and go
• Provides food and sustenance
  1. He distributes Allah’s blessings to all creatures
  2. He ensures plants grow and animals find food
  3. He helps in providing income and livelihood to people
• Controls natural disasters
  1. He can bring earthquakes, floods, or droughts as Allah commands
  2. He manages natural events according to Allah’s will

Angel Israfil

Who is Israfil:

• He is the angel who will blow the trumpet on Judgment Day
• He has a very loud and powerful voice
• He is always ready to blow the trumpet when Allah commands
• He is one of the closest angels to Allah’s throne

Functions of Israfil:

• Will blow the trumpet for the Day of Judgment
  1. The first blow will cause all living things to die
  2. The second blow will resurrect everyone for judgment
  3. His trumpet blast will mark the end of this world
• Leads angels in worship
  1. He leads other angels in praising Allah
  2. He has a beautiful voice for worship
  3. He glorifies Allah constantly

Angel Azrail (Angel of Death)

Who is Azrail:

• He is the angel responsible for taking souls at death
• He is also called “Malak al-Maut” (Angel of Death)
• He works under Allah’s direct command
• He treats each soul according to Allah’s will

Functions of Azrail:

• Takes souls when people die
  1. He takes the soul gently from righteous people
  2. He separates the soul from the body at the time of death
  3. He works according to Allah’s predetermined time for each person
• Records the time of death
  1. He knows exactly when each person will die
  2. He follows Allah’s decree about everyone’s lifespan
  3. He cannot change the time that Allah has decided

Other Important Angels and Their Functions

Kiraman Katibin (Recording Angels):

• Every person has two angels that record their deeds
• One angel (on the right) records good deeds
• One angel (on the left) records bad deeds
• These records will be shown on Judgment Day

Munkar and Nakir:

• They are the angels who question people in the grave
• They ask about faith, Prophet, and religion
• They test the deceased person’s beliefs
• They report to Allah about the person’s answers

Malik:

• He is the guardian of Hell (Jahannam)
• He supervises the punishment of wrongdoers
• He follows Allah’s commands about Hell
• He ensures justice is carried out

Ridwan:

• He is the guardian of Paradise (Jannah)
• He welcomes righteous people to Paradise
• He oversees the rewards of good people
• He ensures the blessed enjoy Allah’s bounties

Guardian Angels (Hafaza):

• Every person has guardian angels
• They protect people from harm
• They record and watch over human actions
• They can only protect as Allah permits

How Angels Help Us

Daily Protection:

• Guardian angels protect us from dangers we don’t see
• They keep away harmful things when possible
• They pray for believers and ask Allah’s mercy for them

Recording Our Deeds:

• Recording angels write down all our actions
• Good deeds are recorded with their rewards
• Bad deeds are also recorded
• These records will be our witnesses on Judgment Day

Bringing Blessings:

• Angels bring Allah’s mercy and blessings
• They pray for people who seek forgiveness
• They celebrate when someone does good deeds
• They ask Allah to forgive people’s sins

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. Angels are created from _______.
2. Angel _______ brings revelations from Allah to prophets.
3. Angel _______ controls rain and weather.
4. Angel _______ will blow the trumpet on Judgment Day.

Exercise 2: True or False

1. Angels can disobey Allah. _____
2. Angels are made of light (Nur). _____
3. Angel Jibril brought the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. _____
4. Angels get tired and need to sleep. _____