Belief in Angels in Islam
Introduction
Islam teaches that beyond the world we can see, there is an unseen world created by Allah — and among its most important inhabitants are the angels. Belief in the angels (Mala’ikah) is the second article of faith in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), when asked about faith, listed it clearly: “Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree, both its good and its bad.” (Sahih Muslim)
In this article, we will learn who the angels are, the names and duties of the most well-known among them, how they interact with our daily lives, and what this belief should change in how we live.
Who Are the Angels?
Angels are honoured servants of Allah, created from light. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you (clay).” (Sahih Muslim)
Unlike humans, angels do not eat, drink, marry, or sleep. They never disobey Allah and never grow tired of worship. Allah describes them: “They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, and they do what they are commanded.” (Quran 66:6) They are countless in number — only Allah knows how many exist — and they fill the heavens in worship. They have wings; Allah says He made the angels “messengers having wings, two or three or four.” (Quran 35:1) Some, like Jibreel, are immense in size and power, while others carry out small, constant duties in this world.
The Named Angels and Their Roles
Although there are countless angels, the Quran and Sunnah name several whose duties every Muslim should know.
- Jibreel (Gabriel): The greatest of the angels, entrusted with bringing revelation to the prophets. It was Jibreel who brought the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over twenty-three years.
- Mikail (Michael): In charge of rain and the provision (rizq) that Allah sends down to His creation. Allah mentions both by name together: “Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Jibreel and Mikail — then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.” (Quran 2:98)
- Israfil: The angel who will blow the Trumpet (Sur) — the first blow will end life in this world, and the second will raise everyone for the Day of Judgment.
- Malik al-Mawt (the Angel of Death): The angel who takes the souls of people at the time Allah has written. Allah says: “The Angel of Death will take you who has been entrusted with you.” (Quran 32:11)
- Kiraman Katibin (the Noble Recorders): Two angels assigned to every person — one on the right recording good deeds, and one on the left recording bad deeds. Allah says: “And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers, noble and recording; they know whatever you do.” (Quran 82:10-12)
- Munkar and Nakir: The two angels who question a person in the grave about their Lord, their religion, and their prophet, as described in the hadith. (Sunan Tirmidhi)
- Ridwan: The keeper of Paradise, in charge of its gates and its blessings.
- Malik: The keeper of Hellfire, named in the Quran: “And they will call, ‘O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!'” (Quran 43:77)
Angels in Our Daily Lives
Angels are not distant beings who appeared only in past stories. Islam teaches that they are present in our lives every single day.
Recording our deeds. The two noble scribes never leave us. Every word and action is written down, and the record will be presented on the Day of Judgment. Allah says: “Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him, ready [to record it].” (Quran 50:18)
Making dua for the believers. Angels pray for those who do good. They ask forgiveness for the believers (Quran 40:7), they say “Ameen” to our sincere duas, and they bless those who send salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the angels pray for a person who waits in the mosque for prayer, saying: “O Allah, forgive him; O Allah, have mercy on him.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Gathering at circles of remembrance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah has angels who travel the roads seeking people who remember Allah. When they find a gathering engaged in dhikr, they surround it, covering it with their wings up to the lowest heaven, and Allah mentions those people proudly to the angels. (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Descending with tranquillity. Angels descend when the Quran is recited with a beautiful voice and presence of heart, bringing sakina — peace and stillness — to the home and the listener. Every Ramadan, Jibreel would review the Quran with the Prophet (peace be upon him), reminding us of the special bond between the angels and the Book of Allah. (Sahih Bukhari)
What Belief in Angels Teaches Us
Belief in angels is not just information to memorise — it is meant to shape our character.
- Awareness of Allah. Knowing that noble recorders are with us at all times makes a believer careful with his words and deeds, in public and in private. Shame before the angels adds to our consciousness of Allah.
- Hope and comfort. A believer is never truly alone. Angels pray for him, greet him, and surround gatherings of goodness. In moments of loneliness, this belief is a deep comfort.
- Love of good company and good places. Since angels love gatherings of dhikr and flee from impurity and heedlessness, the believer seeks the environments the angels love: the mosque, the Quran, and righteous company.
- Respect for creation. Angels are honoured servants; believing in them teaches us humility — the universe is full of obedient worshippers, and our own worship joins a chorus far greater than ourselves.
- Preparation for the grave and the Hereafter. Belief in Munkar and Nakir, Israfil, Ridwan, and Malik makes the unseen journey after death real, encouraging us to prepare for it with faith and good deeds today.
Conclusion
Belief in the angels connects our visible world to the unseen world of Allah’s perfect order. They brought us the Quran, they record our deeds, they pray for us, and they will play their parts at the end of this world and the beginning of the next. A Muslim who truly believes in the angels lives with awareness, hope, and dignity — never feeling alone, and never forgetting that his every deed is witnessed. May Allah fill our hearts with firm faith in Him and in all that He has told us of the unseen.
