BELIEF IN THE ANGELS

One must believe that the angels are from the creation of Allah; no one knows their exact number except Him. They are from the unseen world. Allah created them to worship and obey Him. They carry out all of Allah’s orders, from administration, observation, guarding and protecting the universe as well its creatures, all according to Allah’s Will and Order.

Quran

Allah says: "The Messiah (Eesa) will never be so proud to reject being a slave to Allah, nor [will] the angels who are near (to Allah)." (Quran Surah4:172)

The Angels act as emissaries (representative) between Allah and His Messengers. Allah says: "Which the trustworthy Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] has brought down; * Upon your heart (O Muhammad «peace be upon him») that you may be (one) of the warners, * In a plain Arabic language." (Quran Surah26:193-195)

Allah has charged the angels with specific duties, and they do what they are commanded. Allah says: "They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded." (Quran Surah16:50)

The angels are not partners, associates, or rivals with Allah, nor are they His children; but one must still respect and love them. Allah says: "And they say: ‘The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a child [from the angels].’ Far removed is He from every imperfection! They (the angels) are but honored slaves. They speak not until He has spoken, and [then] they act on His Command." (Quran Surah21:26-27)

They spend their time worshipping and obeying Allah, glorifying Him and praising Him. Allah says: "They (i.e. the angels) glorify His praises night and day, (and) without slackening (to do so)." (Quran Surah21:20)

Hadith

The angels were created from light. The Prophetﷺsaid: 'The angels were created from light, the Jinn were created from a smokeless flame of fire, and Adam was created from what was described to you (black dry clay).' Sahih Muslim 2996

Although they were created from light, they cannot be seen. Allah has given them the ability to change their appearance in order to be seen and witnessed. Allah informs us that Jibreel (Gabriel) came to Maryam (Mary) in the form of a man: "She placed a screen [to screen herself] from them; then We sent to her Our Rooh (Jibreel), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. * She said: ‘Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.’ * [The angel] said: ‘I am only a Messenger from your Lord [to announce] to you the gift of a righteous son." (Quran Surah19:17-19)

Narrated Abu Huraira(R):Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "(A group of) angels stay with you at night and (another group of) angels by daytime, and both groups gather at the time of the 'Asr and Fajr prayers. Then those angels who have stayed with you overnight, ascend (to Heaven) and Allah asks them (about you) ---- and He knows everything about you. "In what state did you leave My slaves?' The angels reply, 'When we left them, they were praying, and when we reached them they were praying.' "   Sahih al-Bukhari 7429 (Vol. 9, Book 93, Hadith 525)

Narrated Anas bin Malik(R):The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah has appointed an angel in the womb, and the angel says, 'O Lord! A drop of discharge (i.e. of semen), O Lord! a clot, O Lord! a piece of flesh.' And then, if Allah wishes to complete the child's creation, the angel will say. 'O Lord! A male or a female? O Lord! wretched or blessed (in religion)? What will his livelihood be? What will his age be?' The angel writes all this while the child is in the womb of its mother." Sahih al-Bukhari 3333 ( Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 550)

Narrated Abu Talha(R): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Angels do not enter a house that has either a dog or a picture in it."  Sahih al-Bukhari 3322 (Vol. 4, Book 54, Hadith 539)

Detailed Task

Allah informed us of the names and tasks of some of the angels, such as; Jibreel (Gabriel) («Peace be upon him») who was given the task of revelation. Allah says: "Which the trustworthy Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] has brought down; * upon your heart (O Muhammad «peace be upon him») that you may be (one) of the warners." (Quran Surah99:7)

Israafeel is given the task to blow the trumpet on the Day of Resurrection, while Meekaa`eel is in charge of the rain and vegetation.

Every human has been appointed two angels, one who records his righteous deeds and the other who records his sins. Allah says: "(Remember!) That the two recorders (angels) record, one sitting on his right and one on his left." (Quran Surah50:17)

The Angel of Death (Malak-ul-Mawt) is the angel given the task of collecting peoples' souls at the time of death. Allah says: "Say: ‘The Angel of Death who is set over you will take your souls, and then you shall be brought back to your Lord." (Quran Surah32:11)

Angels for the protection of humans: For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Quran Surah 13:11

Malik is the Keeper of Hell: Allah says: "And they will cry: ‘O Malik! Let your Lord make an end of us.’ He will say: ‘Verily, you shall abide therein forever." (Quran Surah43:77)

Ridhwaan is the keeper of Jannah. There are other angels and each has been assigned a task. Some have been mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah , while others have not, but we must believe in them all. [1]

Names of few angels and their responsibility

A Muslim must believe specifically in all the angels named and/or described in the Qur'an and the ahadith:

• Jibreel: in charge of delivering revelation.

• Mika'il: in charge of bringing the rain.

• Israfil: the blower of the horn on Qiyama.

• Malik-ul-Maut: the Angel of Death who takes people's souls at death.

• Harut and Marut: Sent as test for the people of Children of Israel.

• Kirameen and Katibeen: those who record people's actions.

• The Protectors (Al-Mu'aqqibat): who keep people from death until its decreed time.

• Ridhwan: in charge of Paradise.

• Malik: in charge of Hell.

• Munkar and Nakir: the questioners in the grave.

• The Carriers of the Throne.

• Those who record the future of the fetus.

• Those who enter Kaba (In Heavens): 70,000 every day.

• Those who move about, descending upon gatherings at which Allah and His Book are mentioned and studied.   ^[2]

Merits of Belief in the Angels

1. One would understand the greatness of Allah His power and ability, and His All-Encompassing Knowledge, from the greatness of His creation which is a proof confirming the greatness of the Creator.
    
2. When a Muslim knows that there are Angels who record all that he says and does, and that everything he does is either for him or held against him, he would be keen to perform righteous deeds and abstain from sins, whether he is alone or in public.
    
3. One would safeguard himself from believing in superstitions and fables.
    
4. One would recognize the mercy Allah shows to His slaves; for Allah assigned to every individual angels who guard him and take care of his affairs.  ^[3]

See also

Allah; Angels in Islam; Pillars of Eeman;

References

[1] [3] http://www.1ststepsinislam.com/en/belief-in-angels.aspx

[2] http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=5989