A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Malaika – Angels
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MALAIKA – ANGELS
Angels (
malak
, literally meaning ‘messenger’) serve as
intermediaries between God and man. They transmit messages to
His envoys, worthy individuals who are specially chosen by God for
the task of being His messengers. These messengers are called
prophets, and it is the prophets alone who receive the divine
revelations, through an angel, who is the celestial messenger.
According to the Qur'an, the angel Jibrail (Gabriel), meaning the
‘power of God,’ — also alluded to in the Qur'an as a “trustworthy
spirit” (
al-ruh-al-amin
)—brought divine revelations to the Prophet
of Islam.
Most important among the angels are Jibrail, Mikail, Izrail and
Israfil.
Jibrail, as we have said, is the ‘holy spirit’, who brings revelations
from Allah to His prophets.
Izrail is called the angel of death, for he takes away the souls of the
dying.
Israfil will blow the trumpet when the time comes for the world to
end and on the Day of Judgement.
The angels, who continuously praise and glorify the Lord, have
been given the necessary qualities and powers to perform specific
functions. They have no free will. They always obey Allah and never
displease Him. Man, on the other hand, has been given free will
and can choose between right and wrong.
