Belief in the Angels — Al-Mala'ikah

الإيمان بالملائكة

Al-Imān bi-l-Malā'ikah

Angels created from light who serve Allah without free will.

Angels are created from light and serve Allah without free will. They carry out God's commands throughout the universe. The Quran names several angels: Jibril (Gabriel) — the angel of revelation who delivered the Quran to Prophet Muhammad; Mikail (Michael) — the angel of sustenance and provision; Israfil — the angel who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment; Azrael (Malak al-Mawt) — the angel of death; Munkar and Nakir — the angels who question the deceased in the grave; Kiraman Katibin — the two recording angels who document every person's deeds (one for good deeds, one for bad); and Malik — the guardian of Hellfire. Belief in angels connects the seen and unseen worlds and reminds Muslims that God's administration of the universe is precise and purposeful.

"The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him... each one has believed in Allah and His angels" — Quran 2:285

Key Quranic Verses

al-Baqarah 2:285 Belief in Allah and His angels al-Baqarah 2:177 Righteousness includes belief in angels at-Tahrim 66:6 Angels over Hellfire al-Infitar 82:10–12 Recording angels document every deed Fatir 35:1 Angels with wings an-Nahl 16:2 Angels descend with revelation an-Najm 53:5–10 Jibril teaching Muhammad as-Sajdah 32:11 The angel of death al-Haqqah 69:17 Angels bearing the Throne