Mala'ika (Belief in Angels)
Belief in angels, known as "Mala'ika" (الملائكة) in Arabic, is one of the fundamental articles of faith in Islam. Angels play a significant role in Islamic theology and cosmology.
Existence and Nature: Muslims believe in the existence of angels as spiritual beings created by God. Angels are made of light (nur) and do not possess free will or the capacity to disobey God's commands. They are sinless and perfectly obedient to God.
Role as Messengers: Angels serve as messengers and intermediaries between God and human beings. They are responsible for conveying divine revelations and messages to prophets and messengers. For example, the angel Gabriel (Jibril) is known for delivering revelations to several prophets, including the Prophet Muhammad.
Recording Deeds: Muslims believe that two angels, Raqib and Atid, are assigned to each individual to record their deeds. Raqib records good deeds, while Atid records bad deeds. These records will be used on the Day of Judgment for the individual's judgment.
Protection and Guidance: Angels are believed to provide protection and guidance to individuals. It is common for Muslims to seek angelic protection through prayers and supplications.
Worship and Praise: Angels are continuously engaged in worship and praise of God. They are described as constantly glorifying and praising God and are not subject to fatigue or distraction.
Roles in Creation: Angels have various roles in the natural world and the cosmos. For example, angels are responsible for controlling natural phenomena, such as rain, wind, and the movement of celestial bodies.
Guardian Angels: Some Islamic traditions suggest that individuals have guardian angels who protect them from harm and guide them toward righteousness.
Angelic Hierarchy: While there is no specific hierarchy of angels mentioned in the Quran, Islamic tradition has developed the concept of different classes or orders of angels, each with specific roles and responsibilities. For example, the archangel Gabriel is associated with delivering revelations, while the angel Israfil is believed to blow the trumpet to announce the Day of Judgment.
Angels in the Quran: Angels are mentioned throughout the Quran, often in the context of their roles in delivering messages to the prophets, recording deeds, and praising God. The Quranic chapter titled "The Angels" (Al-Mala'ika) discusses the nature and functions of angels.
Belief in Angels and Faith: Belief in angels is an essential component of a Muslim's faith. Denying the existence of angels would be considered a rejection of a fundamental article of faith.
Belief in angels (Mala'ika) reflects the importance of the unseen world in Islamic theology. Angels are seen as agents of God's will, serving as messengers, protectors, and recorders of human actions. This belief underscores the concept of divine guidance and accountability in Islam, with angels playing a central role in facilitating communication between God and humanity.