Islamic Beliefs about Angels (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Angels in Islam

What is the nature of malaikah?

• Malaikah is the Arabic word for angels

• Muslims believe in angels because they are mentioned in the Qur’an

• Angels are beings created by Allah to perform various tasks. These include:

  • Governing the universe and the laws of nature

  • Communicating with humans, often via the prophets

  • Praising Allah and guarding his throne

  • The kiraman katibin (noble scribes) malaikah are responsible for recording people’s good and bad deeds for the Day of Judgement

  • Welcoming humans into paradise

• Malaikah are thought to be genderless, winged and made of light

• They do not have a physical form and so cannot be seen

• However, they can take on a physical shape when needed and therefore can appear to humans in a way that humans can understand

  • For example, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the form of a human and to Isa (Jesus) as a dove

• Angels are believed to help people whose faith is strong

• Angels do not have free will — they can only obey Allah’s will. Therefore, they cannot sin

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Why are angels important to Muslims today?

• Belief in malaikah (angels) is one of the six articles of faith in Islam for Sunni Muslims 

• However, angels are mysterious figures, and Muslims have differing beliefs about their nature

  • For example, some Muslims believe that the idea that angels have wings is a metaphor for being powerful

• Even though it is difficult to understand their nature fully, angels are significant in Islam

  • They are Allah’s creation, so they help Muslims understand him better

  • They are important because Allah has communicated with angels and, through them, revealed important truths to humanity

  • They are significant for helping believers in their time of need (Surah 41:30–32)

  • They also have an important part to play in helping Allah decide what will happen to people in the afterlife

    • The Qur’an says that angels known as kiraman katibin (noble scribes) are present with people throughout their lives, one angel on each human’s shoulder

    • The one on the right shoulder notes good deeds, and the one on the left shoulder notes bad deeds

    • These are then presented to Allah on the Day of Judgement (Surah 82:10–12)

    • This affects how Muslims live their lives

• Because malaikah have been given all these important roles by Allah, they must be respected by Muslims today

Shi’a and Sunni beliefs about angels

What are the differences between Shi’a and Sunni beliefs about angels?

• Angels are central to both Sunni and Shi’a Islam but with some differences in emphasis

• For Sunni Muslims, belief in angels is part of the six articles of faith

  • The main angels for Sunni Muslims are:

    • Jibril — delivered revelation to prophets (e.g. the Qur’an to Muhammad)

    • Mik’ail — provides nourishment and rain

    • Israfil — will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgement

    • Azra’il (Angel of Death) — takes souls at death

  • Sunni Muslims believe that two angels (kiraman katibin) record good and bad deeds for Judgement

  • They also believe that angels are essential for communication between Allah and humans

• For Shi’a Muslims, angels are also vital but linked more closely to the five roots of Usul ad-Din (especially belief in justice and prophethood)

  • Shi’a Muslims believe that angels support the imams (divinely guided leaders)

  • Angels protect the message of the Qur’an and guide the imams with divine knowledge

  • Some Shi’a Muslims place emphasis on angels’ role in upholding Adalat (justice), ensuring fairness at Judgement

  • Like Sunnis, Shi’a also believe in Jibril, Mik’ail, Israfil and Azra’il but connect their roles more directly to Shi’a beliefs (for example, guiding the imams)