Concept of Angels In Islam

Angels are celestial beings, who are not visible to ordinary mortals and thus belong to the category of ''unseen beings'', covered by the term 'ghaib'. Belief in angels in one of the cardinal articles of our faith and it forms the second ingredient thereof next only to faith in Allah (CF. Iman Mufassal, and 2:17 , 285; 4: 136).

Angels, Allah's creation; Their Limitation and Duties
Angels are one of Allah's creation and they are His honored servants (35:1; 37:150; 43:19; 21:26). They are not Allah's daughters. Angels have no knowledge save what Allah has taught them (2: 32. 33; 82: 12). They speak not before Allah speaks and the act in all things by His command (21: 27; 41:38) ; They do not grow weary and are not languid (21 :19, 20; 41: 38); nor are they proud (cf. 7: 206; 21: 19; 41: 38). They flinch not (from executing) the command they receive from Allah but do (precisely) what they are commanded (66: 6); they prostrated before Adam(A.S) when Allah commanded them to do so (2: 34; 7: 11; 15 :30 and several verses). Angels never fail in their duty (6: 61) Angels are the sinless beings.


Some of the angels have two (pairs of) wings, some three and some four (35:1). They range themselves in  :ranks and are strong in repelling (evil) (37:1 ,2): each of them has his appointed place -(37:164-166). Angels have various function and duties: they worship and glorify Allah and sing His praises and prostrate before Him (2:30 ; 4:172 ; 7:206 ; 13:13 ; 16:49 ; 39:75 ; 40:7). Angels act as Allah's messengers (35:1 ; 22:75); but they did not descend except by Allah's command (19:64). Angels were send by Allah to give tidings to Zakriya (3:39 ; 19:7) and to Maryam before whom the angel appeared in human form (3:42,45 ; 19:19-19). Angels also appeared in human form before Ibrahim to give him glad tidings of the birth of a son (11:69-76 ; 15:51-60 ; 29:31,32 : 51:24-30) and before Lut to warn him of the impending doom of his wicked people and o ask him to leave the towns that were going to be destroyed (11:77-83 ; 15:61-77 ; 29:33,34 ; 54:37). Angels came to Allah's chosen servants (prophets and apostles) with inspiration of His command (16:2 ; 40:15).

JIBRIL ; RUH-UL-QUDUS; RUH-UL-AMIN
The arch-angel, Jibril, (Ruh-ul-Qudus, Ruh-ul-Amin,) brought down Allah's revelation to the Holy Prophet's heart (2:97 ; 16:102 ; 26:192-195).

Angels strengthen the hearts of righteous believers and are their protectors (41:30,31). They implore forgiveness for the believers (40:7-9); but angels can offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable to Allah (21:28 ; 34:23 ; 53:26). Angels send blessing on the believers (33:43) and on the Holy Prophet (33:56).

RECORDING ANGELS: KIRAMAN KATIBIN
Angels record a man's deeds and words (10:21 ; 43:80 ; 45:28,29 ; 50:17,18 ; 28:10-12. Kiraman Katibin occurs in 82:11).

ANGEL OF DEATH
Angels take the souls of men on their death. Their taking the souls of unbelievers with violence and smiting their faces and backs are mentioned in some of the verses; also their taking the souls of believers gently. 'Malak-ul-Maut' is mentioned in 32:11.

At the battle of Badr angels strengthened the hearts of, and helped the, believers and cast terror into the hearts of the un-believers (8:9,10,12 ; 3:123,124).

As already mentioned, angels carried out Allah's command of the destruction of the wicked people of Lut.

Angels will accost the righteous believers on their entering heaven (13:23,24 ; 21:103).

Angels are also the guardians of hell fire (43:77 ; 39:71 ; 40:49,50 ; 66:6 ; 74:30,31).

MIKAL; ISRAFIL
The name of jibril and Mikal are mentioned in Quran, but not that of Israfil who will blow the trumpet-SUR-heralding the day of judgment.