What is Īmān Bil-Malāʾikah (Faith in the Angels)
Al-Īmān Bil-Malāʾikah (Faith in the Angels) is a fundamental principle of faith in Islām. It means firmly believing in their existence as a creation of God Almighty from light, and that they carry out His commands. It includes belief in those whose names we know, and belief in what we know of their attributes and actions. It is the basis for building the Muslim’s character and motivating him to be vigilant and do good deeds.
The Pillars of Faith in the Angels
- Belief in Their Existence: Acknowledging that they are real beings, not just hidden forces or ideas, and that they are servants of God who are accountable.
- Faith in Detail & in General: Faith in those whose names we know and general faith in the rest.
- Belief in Their Attributes & Deeds: Belief in what has been mentioned in the texts about their great creation and abilities, and about their tasks as bearers of the Throne, keepers of deeds, keepers of Paradise and Hell, and others.
- Exoneration & Acquittal: Excuding them from the attributes of divinity or humanity (such as femininity or intercession without God’s permission).
Effects of Faith in the Angels
The effects of having belief in the angels are as follow:
- God's Glorification: Knowing the greatness of the Creator and His ability to create these great creatures.
- Observation & Modesty: It helps the believers to have a feeling of the presence of the esteemed custodians writing deeds, which leads to modesty and leaving sins.
- Imitation: Imitation of their good order and permanent worship, as in line-up with prayers.
- Loving Them: The love of the angels & their loyalties, and disbelief in those who worship them other than Allāh.
Angels And Their Duties
- Jibrīl: The angel in charge of revelation.
- Mīkāʾīl: The angel in charge of rain and vegetation.
- Isrāfīl: The angel in charge of blowing the trumpet.
- Malakul Mawt (ʿAzarāʾīl): The angel in charge of taking souls.
- Raqīb: The angel that record good deeds.
- ʿAtīd: The angel that record bad deeds.
- Riḍwān: The angel that guards Paradise.
- Mālik: The angel that guards Hell.
- Munkar & Nakīr: The angels in charge of questioning deceased in graves.