Angels
Muslims believe that angels, or malaikahThe Arabic word for angels, used in the Qur鈥檃n., were created before humans with the purpose of following the orders of Allah and communicating with humans. Muslims believe that angels, like all other creatures, were created by God. In Islamic belief, angels communicate messages from Allah to humanity.
The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], 鈥榃e make no distinctions between any of His messengers.鈥 And they say, 鈥榃e hear and obey. [We seek] your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.鈥(Qur鈥檃n 2:285)
According to Islamic belief, the angels constantly praise God:
The role of angels
In Islam, there are some angels who have specific roles, including guardian angels. Generally, Muslims believe that angels have the following characteristics:
- They were part of God鈥檚 creation - they had a beginning and they will exist until the end of time.
- They are made of light and have wings.
- They are pure and always obey and serve Allah.
- They can appear in human form and watch over human beings.
- They record everything a person does, and this information is used on the Day of JudgementThe last day, when God judges all of humanity according to how they have lived..
- They welcome Muslims into Paradise and also supervise the pits of Hell.