The Significance of Angels in Islam (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Jibril’s revelation to Muhammad (pbuh)

Who is Jibril, and why is he important to Islam?

• Islam teaches that Allah created numerous angels who are organised into ranks

• Those who are higher in rank are called “archangels”

• The archangels include Jibril, Izra’il and Mika’il, who hold special importance in Islam

Jibril

• Jibril (known as Gabriel in Christianity and Judaism) is a very important angel for Muslims

  • Jibril revealed the whole Qur’an to Muhammad (pbuh) over a span of 23 years, after first appearing to the prophet in the cave of Hira

  • Jibril also revealed to Maryam (Mary) that she was pregnant with Isa (Jesus)

  • Jibril is known as the angel of revelation and acts as the communicator between Allah and the prophets

  • Without Jibril, humanity would not have received the message of the Qur’an

  • Muslims follow the teachings Allah revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) through Jibril, which provides guidance on how to live and become closer to Allah

Mika’il, the plants and the rain

Who is Mika’il, and why is he important to Islam?

• Mika’il (Michael in Christianity and Judaism) is known as the angel of mercy or sustenance

  • Mika’il is mentioned by name in the Qur’an along with Jibril

• Mika’il oversees and maintains life on earth, such as providing rain for plants

• He also rewards those who have led a good life on earth

  • The teaching of Mika’il shows Muslims that it is possible to be rewarded in the afterlife

• Some Muslims think that Mika’il, as the angel of sustenance, will provide not only physical food but also spiritual sustenance for the soul

Izra’il and the Day of Resurrection

Who is Izra’il, and why is he important to Islam?

• Izra’il is called the angel of death in the Qur’an (Surah 32:11)

  • Izra’il is responsible for signalling the coming of the Day of Judgment by blowing a trumpet

  • Muslims believe that Izra’il takes souls to Allah when they die

• Izra’il helps Muslims understand that they need to live their lives according to Allah’s will so that they will be rewarded in the afterlife

• Muslims should live their life in the expectation that they will be judged by Allah on the Day of Judgment

Why are these three angels so significant to Islam?

• These three angels are specifically named in the Qur’an, highlighting their significance

  • Each represents a key part of Muslim belief: revelation (Jibril), the afterlife (Izra’il) and Allah’s mercy/provision (Mika’il)

  • Their roles link to core doctrines: the Qur’an, Judgment and Allah’s justice or mercy