Angels are divine beings that play essential spiritual roles across many religions and belief systems.
The roles of angels in Islam and their significance center around being Allah's messengers and servants who carry out divine commands. Key angels like Gabriel (Jibril) delivered revelations to prophets, while others record human deeds, protect believers, and will play important roles on Judgment Day. Angels are created from light, possess wings, and can take different forms, though they typically remain invisible to humans.
Understanding the concept of angels in religious texts reveals how these celestial beings serve as intermediaries between the divine and human realms. In Islamic tradition, angels never disobey Allah's commands and continuously worship Him. They lack free will, unlike humans, and cannot choose to sin. The Quran describes angels as noble creatures who assist in maintaining cosmic order and supporting believers. Characteristics and beliefs about angels in various religions share some common elements - angels are typically portrayed as benevolent spiritual beings who serve God and interact with humanity. However, their specific attributes and roles can vary significantly between faiths. In Islam, angels are neither male nor female and do not eat or drink. They can move at incredible speeds and appear in different forms when manifesting to humans. Muslims believe angels surround believers during prayer and religious gatherings, bringing divine mercy and blessings. The belief in angels (Malaikah) is one of the six fundamental articles of faith in Islam, demonstrating their central importance in Islamic theology and religious practice. Angels serve as models of perfect obedience and devotion to God, inspiring believers to strive for spiritual excellence in their own lives.
