The Angels of Allah Subhana wa taala

One of the beautiful creations of Allah subhana wa taala are Angels (the mala-ika). Angels were created before mankind and are one of the earliest of creation.

Angels are created from Light and adhere to the instructions of Allah subhana wa taala. Angels, however, do not possess free will and therefore are unlike Mankind and Jinn. Angels, therefore, have not fallen from paradise as many incorrectly believe. Angels do not sin as they have no choice to exercise in being able to commit sins.

 

What does Quran and Sunnah (authentic ahadith) say ?

 

  •  Angels are a beautiful creation

 

Surah An-Najm 53:5-7

5. He has been taught (this Qur’an) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)].

6. Dhu Mirrah (free from any defect in body and mind), Fastawa [then he (Jibrael – Gabriel) rose and became stable].[Tafsir At-Tabari].

7. While he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon,

 

  •  Angels were created before mankind

Surah Al-Baqarah-2:30

30. And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: “Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth.” They said: “Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, – while we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.” He (Allah) said: “I know that which you do not know.”

 

 

  • Angels are created from light

 

  ‘Aa’ishah Radiallahu anha narrated that Rasulallah sallallahu alayhi wasalam said: “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to you.”

Saheeh Muslim (2996)

 

 

  • Angels do as Allah subhana wa taala instructs, not as they will

Surah At-Tahrim-66:6

O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.

 

 

  •  Iblis is not of the Angels, but of the Jinn

Surah Al-Kahf-18:50

And (remember) when We said to the angels; “Prostrate to Adam.” So they prostrated except Iblis (Satan). He was one of the jinns; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimun (polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc).

 

 

  •  Angels are massive,  to certain extents beyond full comprehension

Years in these contexts could mean various time frames. An example of a time span in Quran and Sunnah is the day of resurrection (al-qiyamah) which is fifty thousand years. (one day equalling fifty thousand years). Thus a year could mean greater than the human understanding of years.

Rasulallah Sallallahu alayhi wasalam said: “I have been granted permission to speak about one of the angels of Allah, one of the bearers of the Throne. The distance from his earlobes to his shoulders is the distance of a seven – hundred-year journey.“
Abu Daawood
Anas Ibn Maalik Radiallahu anhu narrated that the Rasulallah Sallallahu alayhi wasalam said: “I have been granted permission to speak to an angel, one of the bearers of the Throne. His feet are in the lowest earth and the Throne is resting on his horn. The distance from his earlobe to his shoulder is like that of a bird flying for seven hundred years. That angel says, ‘Glory be to You, wherever You are. ‘”
At-Tabaraani
  • Angels have wings – in certain instances massive to the extent of covering the entire horizon

Surah Al Fatir-35:1

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator [or the (only) Creator] of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, – two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things.

 

‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood Radiallahu anhu said: “Rasulallah Sallallahu alayhi wasalam saw Jibreel in his true form. He had six hundred wings, each of which filled the horizon, and there were multi-coloured pearls and rubies falling from his wings.”
Ahmad
  • Angels perform Tawaaf of Baitur Ma’moor
Rasulallah Sallallahu alayhi wasalam sad:”Then I was taken up to the Much-Frequented House: every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, another [group] coming after them.”
al-Bukhaari

 

 

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