Angels in the Quran
Quranic Verses About Angels, Angels play an important role in Islamic teachings and the Quran. They are mentioned over 100 times in the Quran and are revered as being created from light to carry out the commands of God. Qiratul Quran will guide you about the Quran describes angels as having abilities and duties that Allah has given them to fulfill. There are several well-known angels that are specifically named and described in the Quran.
The 4 Famous Angels in Islam
Jibril (Gabriel) عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
Jibril, or Gabriel, is considered the most important angel in Islam. He is called the “Spirit of Holiness” and the greatest of all angels. Gabriel’s main role was revelations. He delivered the divine revelations to the prophets, including bringing down the Quran to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Quran says:
“Truly, this is the revelation brought down by the Lord of all the Worlds. The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down upon your heart, [O Muhammad ﷺ] – that you may be of the warners.” (Quran 26:192-194)
This verse refers to Gabriel bringing down the revelations to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Mikail (Michael) عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
Mikail, or Michael, is depicted as the angel of mercy, blessings, and bringing rain. He provides nourishment for bodies as well as souls.
The Quran says:
“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.” (Quran 2:98)
This verse names Michael as one of the prominent angels.
Israfil عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
Israfil is known as the angel who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection to announce the Day of Judgement. The first blow will destroy everything. The second blow will mark the beginning of the resurrection and gathering of souls.
The Quran says:
“The Day on which the Trumpet will be blown, and you will come forth in multitudes.” (Quran 78:18)
This refers to Israfil blowing the trumpet on Judgement Day.
Izraeel (Azrael) عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
Izraeel, or Azrael, is known as the angel of death in Islam. He is responsible for separating souls from bodies at the time of death. He is often referred to as the frightening or strict angel.
The Quran says:
“Say, “The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord, you will be returned.” (Quran 32:11)
This verse refers to Azrael taking souls at death.
Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was the First Angel in the Quran
According to Islamic belief, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) was the first angel mentioned in the Quran. He is considered the medium through which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
The first mention of an angel is in chapter 2 verse 97:
“Say, “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – it is none but Allah who has sent the Quran down as a guidance to mankind.” (Quran 2:97)
This refers to the angel Gabriel bringing down the revelations and Quran to the Prophet. The first direct mention of Gabriel is in chapter 66 verse 4:
“If you both turn in repentance to Him, your hearts are indeed so inclined; But if you back up each other against him, truly Allah is his Protector, and Gabriel, and the righteous among those who believe.” (Quran 66:4)
So Gabriel is recognized as the first angel introduced in the Quran.
Malik is Considered the Strongest Angel in the Quran
The angel Malik is depicted as the strongest and most powerful angel in the Quran. He is appointed as the guardian of Hellfire.
The Quran says:
“And they will call, “O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!” He will say, “Indeed, you will remain.” (Quran 43:77)
Malik is directly addressed here as having control over Hellfire and the punishment of its inhabitants.
In another verse:
“And they will cry out therein, “Our Lord, remove us; we will do righteousness – other than what we were doing!” But did We not grant you life enough for whoever would remember therein to remember, and the warner had come to you? So taste the punishment for what you forgot.” (Quran 35:37)
This further illustrates Malik’s role as the angel with the power of punishment in Hellfire granted by Allah. Hence, he is considered the strongest angel in carrying out this duty.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Struck Angel Jibril
There is a well-known hadith (narration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) that once while sitting with Jibril, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ struck him on the chest. This was after Jibril had appeared to the Prophet unexpectedly in his angelic form:
“Once while I was sitting, some people from the Ansar came to me. They had newly arrived in Madinah. They greeted me and started asking questions about their faith. They sat down around me. Then Angel Jibril came to me suddenly in the form that he had first appeared before me in Hira Cave. Feeling afraid, I looked away. Jibril said: ‘Muhammad, look at me!’ I looked up and said: ‘O Jibril, why are you here now?’ He replied: ‘Muhammad ﷺ, are you fleeing from me?’ I answered: ‘No, I am not fleeing from you, but your appearance startled me.’ Meanwhile, the Ansar had jumped up from around me and scattered away. They asked: ‘Messenger of Allah, who is this man?’ I said: ‘This is Jibril who Allah sent to me.’ Jibril said: ‘Allah has sent me to teach you the essentials of your religion.’ Hearing this, I stood up and grabbed Jibril by his chest between his shoulders. “Let me have it!” I said. Jibril embraced me tightly three times and said: ‘Knowledge, O Muhammad ﷺ !'” (Riwaya of Abdullah ibn Masud)
This hadith shows that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ physically struck Jibril out of surprise when he appeared unexpectedly. Jibril showed no objection to this and continued his duty of conveying knowledge.
Izraeel عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is an Angel of Death in Islamic Belief
Izraeel, sometimes spelled Azrael, is recognized as the Angel of Death in Islam. He is one of the archangels and his main duty is to separate souls from bodies at the time of death.
The Quran says:
“Say, “The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord, you will be returned.” (Quran 32:11)
This verse confirms the Islamic belief that Izraeel is an angel appointed by Allah to take souls at death.
Another verse says:
“Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.” (Quran 23:99-100)
This further illustrates Izraeel’s role as the angel of death who is taking souls when their time appointed by Allah comes to an end.
So in summary, Izraeel is recognized as a prominent archangel in Islam with the special designation as the angel of death who separates souls from bodies when the time of death arrives.
Summary of Quranic Verses About Angels
Angels have an exalted status in Islamic belief based on clear descriptions and mention in the Holy Quran. The Quran names a few angels like Jibril, Mikail, Israfil, and Izraeel who have important roles and duties entrusted to them by Allah. Details of these major angels provide insight into the significance of angels in carrying out the commands and will of God (Allah). The prophets also interacted with angels, as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did with Jibril, showing angels’ role in revelation and conveying knowledge. Understanding the position of angels in Islam allows one to better grasp Islamic theology regarding the unseen realm.
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