2. Belief in the Angels

2. Belief in the Angels:

It means believing in their existence, believing in them as a whole and in those whom Allaah The Almighty and His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, told us about in details. Allaah The Almighty created them from light. The Messenger of Allaah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The angels were created from light.” [Reported by Muslim]

They are many and no one knows their number except Allaah The Almighty. They are able to take different beautiful shapes, forms and images. They possess great powers and abilities to move from one place to another. Allaah The Almighty says: {[All] praise is [due] to Allaah, 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.} [Faatir: 1]

Allaah The Almighty has chosen them to worship Him and carry out His commands. So they disobey not, from executing the Commands they receive from Allaah, but do that which they are commanded. Allaah The Almighty says: {To Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those near Him are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, nor do they tire. They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken.} [Al-Anbiyaa’: 19-20]

He The Almighty says: {But if they are arrogant - then those who are near your Lord exalt Him by night and by day, and they do not become weary.} [Fussilat: 38]

He The Almighty says: {And they say, "The Most Merciful has taken a son." Exalted is He! Rather, they are [but] honored servants. They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command.} [Al-Anbiyaa’: 26-27]  

Allaah The Almighty made them inhabit the heavens; however, they descend down to the earth to carry out the commands of Allaah The Almighty in the creation and what is commissioned to them of managing their affairs. Allaah The Almighty says: {He sends down the angels, with the inspiration of His command, upon whom He wills of His servants.} [An-Nahl: 2]

Amongst them are:

Jibreelwho is commissioned to bring down revelation from Allaah The Almightyupon whom He wills of His prophets and Messengers. Allaah The Almighty says: {The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down. Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] - that you may be of the warners.} [Ash-Shu‘raa’: 193-195]

Mikaa’eelwho is appointed in charge of the rain and vegetation. Israafeel who is appointed to blow the Trumpet on the Day of Resurrection. Allaah The Almighty says: {Whoever is an enemy to Allaah and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael - then indeed, Allaah is an enemy to the disbelievers.} [Al-Baqarah: 98]

It was also narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said in his supplication: “O Allaah, Lord of Jibreel, Mikaa’eel and Israafeel.” [Reported by Muslim]

Angel of Deathand his helpers who are entrusted with taking out the souls at death. Allaah The Almighty says: {Say, "The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned.} [As-Sajdah: 11]

He The Almighty also says: {When death comes to one of you, Our messengers take him, and they do not fail [in their duties].} [Al-An‘aam: 61]

Some angels carry the Throne of Allaah The Almighty.

Allaah The Almighty says: {Those [angels] who carry the Throne and those around it exalt [Allaah] with praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed.} [Ghaafir: 7]

Some of them are the keepers of Paradise.

 Allaah The Almighty says: {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].} [Az-Zumar: 73]

Some of them are the keepers of Hellfire.

Allaah The Almighty says: {And those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell, "Supplicate your Lord to lighten for us a day from the punishment."}[Ghaafir: 49] and others