Page 62 - World Religions I - Islam

Corinthians 11:14).
o "'Aisha reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: The Angels were born out of light
and the Jinns were born out of the spark of fire and Adam was born as he has been defined (in the
Qur'an) for you (i.e. he is fashioned out of clay)."7
• While the number of angels is known only to God, there are a few that are mentioned by name in the Qur'an or
Hadith.
o Gabriel (Jibril)
 Gabriel is the greatest of angels.
• He is described as having six hundred wings, each of which covers the horizons, and
from which fall jewels, pearls, and rubies.8
 He was the angel of revelation, responsible for revealing the Qur'an to Muhammad verse-by-
verse.
• He is also widely considered the angel who communicated with all the prophets.
• The Qur'an twice mentions al-Ruh al-Quds ("Holy Spirit") in reference to the one who
brings revelation from God - a reference that Muslims attribute to Gabriel.
 He is considered responsible for delivering Allah's blessings during Laylat al-Qadr ("Night of
Destiny", also known as the "Night of Power"; see Surah 97). Laylat al-Qadr is the anniversary of the
night that Muslims believe the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad. Although
there is not mention in the Qur'an as to when the specific date is, this night is given special
religious emphasis and Muslims stay awake, pray, and read the Qur'an in hopes that God will
grant them their desires.
 Gabriel is considered by Muslims to be the angel of annunciation, although he is not
mentioned as such by name in the Qur'an.
• He is considered one of three angels who informed Abraham of Isaac's birth.
• He is considered to have announced the birth of John to Zechariah.9
• He is widely believed to have informed Mary (Miriam) of how she would conceive
Jesus (Isa).10
 The traditions record that Gabriel accompanied Muhammad on his ascension to the
heavens (Mi'raj), where Muhammad is said to have met previous messengers of God
and was informed about the Islamic prayers.11
o Michael (Mikail)
 Michael is depicted as the angel of mercy who provides nourishment for bodies and souls, as
well as being responsible for bringing rain and thunder to earth.
 He is generally considered responsible for the rewards presented to good persons during their
lifetime.
 He is only mentioned briefly in the Qur'an without any specific attributes or responsibilities.12
o Raphael (Israfil)
 Raphael will blow the trumpet twice at the end of time, signalling the coming of Qiyamah
(Judgement Day).
 He is mentioned only in the Hadith.
o Malaak al-Maut (Angel of Death)
 Responsible for parting the soul from the body.
 Although not mentioned specifically by name, he is referred to only as the Angel of Death.
o Maalik
 The chief of the angels who guard Hell.13
o Ridwan
 The angel responsible for Paradise.
o Harut and Marut

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