The Definition of Angels in Islam.

The angels are supernatural nature, also the creature and slave of Allah the Exalted and Glorified. Allah created them from light and endorsed them a perfect obedience and power to accomplish it.

The angels are numerous, and no one is able to count them but Allah. In compilation of hadith from Al Bukhari and Muslim, there is a hadith from Anas- may Allah be pleased with him- about the story of mi’raj, that Allah has shown the Bait al Ma’mur, a certain place on the sky, to prophet Muhammad -may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him-. There are 70.000 angels that pray inside the place every day, whoever departs from that place, will not come back to it again.

The Elements of Faith In The Angels

First: To believe in their existence

Second: To believe in those of them who are known to us, such as Gabriel, and also in the names of them who are unknown to us.

Third: To believe in their known attributes, such as the attribute of Gabriel’s form, as what have been seen by prophet Muhammad -may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- who has 600 wings that cover the horizon.

The angel is capable of transforming into a man, such as what Gabriel did, when Allah the Exalted sent him to Mary. Gabriel transformed into a perfect man.

Fourth: To believe in the tasks Allah ordered them to do that are known to us, such as reciting the remembrances and worshipping Allah -the Exalted and Glorified- day and night without flagging.

The Attributes of The Angels

1. They are created from light.
2. An ever obedient creature who never do any wickedness.
3. The Angels have wings.
4. A very huge creature.
5. Angels are very beautiful.
6. They are different from one another in form and position.
7. They are not male nor female.
8. They do not eat or drink.
9. They are not bore in worshipping and obedience.
10. The angels live on the sky.

The tasks of Angels

1. Angel Gabriel is trusted to convey the divine decree from Allah to the prophets and messengers.
2. Angel Michael is ordered to pour the rain and grow the plants.
3. Angel Israfil is ordered to blow the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection.
4. Angel of death, is ordered to take away human’s life.
5. Angel Malik is trusted to guard the Hell.
6. There are some angels who are appointed to take care of the fetus in the wombs, and when it reaches 4 months in the womb, Allah -the Exalted and Glorified- sends an angel to blow a soul into it and to write down about the fetus’ provisions, death, deeds, sorrow, and joy.
7. There are also angels who are trusted to guard and to write all deeds of mankind. Every one is guarded by two angels, one on his right side, and the other on his left.
8. There also angels who are trusted to give questions to the soul of the deceased. If he already put into his grave, two angels will come to him and ask him about his Lord, his religion, and his prophet.

References:

1. “Syarh Ushul Iman, by Muhammad Ibn Shaleh Al Utsaimin, published by Dar Al Qasim, Saudi Arabia, 1419 H.
2. ‘Alamul Malaikat Al Abrar, by Dr. Umar Ibn Sulaiman Al Asyqar, published by Maktabah Al Fallah, Beirut, 1403 H.
3. Al Mu’jam Al Wasith, by Ibrahim Musthofa,et al., Tahqiq: Majma’ Al Lughah Al Arabiyah.
4. Takhrij Al Aqidah At Thahawiyah, by Muhammad Nashiruddin Al Albani, published by Al Maktabah Al Islami, Beirut, 1414 H

The Definition of Angels in Islam.