BRIEF DISCUSSION ON ANGELS

2. • Ruh
Surah Al-Isra, Verse 85 :: And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul. Say,
"The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of
knowledge except a little."
• Aql
This is the intellect & rationale
• Badan
Surah al-Araf, Verse 12 :: [Allah] said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I
commanded you?" [Satan] said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire
and created him from clay."

3. 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 Performed by Badan
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 Performed by Intellect
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 Performed by Soul
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.

4. Statement :: Tawheed of Belief
Statement of the Heart
Statement of the Tongue
Action :: Tawheed of Action
Heart
Emotion
Tongue
Read Quran
Dawah
Zikr
Limbs
Salah

5. 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 ]

6. 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. [ Surah Fatir 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 Ibn Hajar, Sa'id bin al-Musayyab, "The angels are neither male nor female.
They neither eat nor drink. They do not marry nor have children."

7. 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 ]

8. Specific
 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. [ Surah Ghafir 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 ]

9.  Meeka’eel :: Vegetation & Rain
 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 ]
 According to commentary, this refers to some disbelievers during the time of
the Prophet (PBUH) who ridiculed Muslim belief. According to hadith, the
Prophet (PBUH) asked Jibril, "What is Mika'il in charge of?" He replied, "The
plants and the rain." (At-Tabarani)
 Mika'il has assistants who follow his orders and make the clouds and winds
move according to Allah's will. In another hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) asked
Jibril, "Why do I never see Mika'il laugh?" He replied, "Mika'il has not
laughed since the Fire was created." (Ahmad)
 Israfeel :: Trumpet of The Judgment Day
 "How can I enjoy myself when the one with the Trumpet has raised the
Trumpet to his mouth, knitted his brow and is waiting to blow?" They said,
"What should we say, Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "Say: Allah is
enough for us, and the best Guardian. We have put our trust in Allah." (At-
Tirmidhi)

10.  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." [ Surah az-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. [ Surah az-
Zumar 39, Ayat 71 ]
 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 ]

11.  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]. [ Surah az-Zumar 39, Ayat 71 ]
 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 ]

12.  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.
 Sahih International: Say, "The angel of death will take you who has been
entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned." [ Surah as-
Sajdah 32, Ayat 11 ]
 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

13.  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. [ Surah Ra'd 13, Ayat 11 ]
 Angels carrying Allah’s Throne
 Sahih International: And the angels are at its edges. And there will bear
the Throne of your Lord above them, that Day, eight [of them]. [ Surah Al-
Haqqah 69, Ayat 17 ]

14.  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 ]
 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 ]
 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 ]

15.  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. [ Surah az-Zukhruf 43,
Ayat 16 - 19 ]
 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. [
Surah Fatir 35, Ayat 1 ]
 They have the ability to change
 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 ]

16.  Never tire of Worshipping Allah
 Sahih International: They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken. [ Surah
al-Anbiya' 21, Ayat 20 ]
 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." [ Surah Hud 11, Ayat 69 - 70 ]
 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 ]

17.  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 ]

18.  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
]
 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.

19.  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. [ Surah Ghafir 40, Ayat 7 ]

20. Pray against wrong doers
 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 ]

21.  Protects from the false belief and heresy: Correct belief in all pillars of
Eemaan helps us from falling in the trap of false belief.
 Aids the believers in remaining steadfast in their religion: It
reminds the believer that he is not alone in worshipping Allah SWT.
 Helps the Believers to be patient: When we know that angels are
praying for us, it encourages us to be steadfast in our religion.
 Shows the honor of the believing human ::
 Even though the angels are so righteous, noble and special, Allah SWT had
told them to prostrate before Adam and serve people.
 Allah SWT says that He has honored human kind.
o 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]
 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.

22.  Al-Mu'tazila are 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)
 Ibn Abee 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:
 "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