Angels

What are Angels?

Angels are the obedient, worshipping and chosen servants of Allāh Almighty. They have
Nūrī (ethereal, luminous) existence. They are innocent and commit no sin. They do what they
are commanded. They neither eat nor drink but subsist on worship and remembrance of Allāh
Almighty.

Why are the angels known as innocent?

Allāh Almighty has created them free of the instinct of committing sins thus they cannot
disobey Allāh Almighty. The Prophets of Allāh Almighty are also innocent like the angels.

What is the exact number of angels in existence?

Of all the creatures of Allāh Almighty, the angels are the most plentiful. Their exact number
is known to Allāh Almighty or to His Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam (whom
Allāh Almighty has endowed with such knowledge). Their creation is a continuous process.
Innumerable angels are created daily. Saints and sages say that the good words and good
works of the believers are transformed into angels which take off to the heavens.

How many ‘prominent angels’ are there?

Four angels of Allāh Almighty are very prominent and choicest ones, they are:

a. Jibra’īl alayhis salam who conveyed Allāh Almighty's messages to His Apostles,
Messengers and Prophets.
b. Mī’kaīl alayhis salam who is detailed to provide subsistence and rain to His creatures.
c. Israfīl alayhis salam he will blow the trumpet on Doomsday.
d. Izraīl alayhis salam his duty is to take soul of human beings. A countless number of angels
work under his supervision to this effect.

What are the duties of the other angels?

All angels have their (respective) assigned jobs. Some angels are posted in paradise and some
in Hell. Some record good and bad actions of human beings. Some angels develop and shape
foetus in mothers' wombs. Some question the dead ones in graves and some torment
unbelievers and sinners. Some angels are stationed on the hallowed grave of Allāh
Almighty's choicest Prophet Sayyidunā Muhammad şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam and some
convey or carry Salāt-o Salām (invocation of Allāh Almighty’s blessings on the Holy Prophet
şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam) of the believers and present it to the Beloved Prophet şallAllāhu
álayhi wa sallam. Some angels are detailed to attend Islamic gatherings where the
remembrance of Allāh Almighty is made or the blessed Mawlid an-Nabī şallAllāhu álayhi wa
sallam is held i.e. where the greatness and excellences of the Master of Creation Sayyidunā
Muhammad şallAllāhu álayhi wa sallam are explained.

What is the name of those angels who record good and bad deeds?
The angels are known as Kirāman Kātibīn. The angels of goodness are separate from those
who record evil deeds and the angels for the night and day are also separate from one another.

What are the names of the angels whom question the dead in the grave?

The angels whom question the dead in the grave are known as Munkar wa Nakīr.

Can human beings see angels?

We are not able to see angels but the Prophets alayhis salam are able to see the angels.
However, at the time of death the believers will see the angels of goodness and the
unbelievers will see the angels of torment.

What is the verdict in regards to those who don’t believe in angels?

He who denies the existence of angels or says that the will power of doing good deeds is an
angel otherwise there exists no angels, is a disbeliever.