In Islam, Mala’ika (Arabic: ملائكة) refers to angels, spiritual beings created by Allah to carry out His commands and fulfill specific roles in the universe.

Key Characteristics of Mala’ika

1. Created from Light:
   • Angels are created from divine light (nur), as opposed to humans, who are made from clay, and jinn, who are made from smokeless fire.
2. They do not sin:
   • Angels are inherently obedient to Allah. They don’t disobey Allah’s commands, making them distinct from humans and jinn.
3. Invisible Beings:
   • They are not normally visible to humans, but they can take physical form when commanded by Allah, as mentioned in several stories in the Quran (e.g., Angel Jibreel appearing to Maryam, the mother of Prophet Isa).
4. Genderless:
   • Angels are not assigned gender and do not reproduce. They exist solely to serve Allah’s purpose.
5. Number Beyond Human Comprehension:
   • The exact number of angels is known only to Allah. Their vast numbers are hinted at in Islamic texts, such as during the description of the Throne of Allah and the Guardians of Hell.

Roles and Responsibilities of Mala’ika

Angels have diverse and specific roles, which they perform without hesitation or error. Some of the key roles include:

1. Revealing Messages:
   • Angel Jibreel (Gabriel):
     • Known as the greatest of angels, Jibreel’s primary role is to deliver divine revelations to Allah’s prophets. He conveyed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. Recording Deeds:
   • Kiraman Katibin:
     • These two angels are assigned to every individual to record their good and bad deeds.
3. Taking Souls:
   • Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt):
     • This angel, along with his helpers, is responsible for taking the souls of humans at the time of death.
4. Guarding Hell and Heaven:
   • Malik:
     • The chief guardian of Hell.
   • Other angels serve as gatekeepers of Paradise and Hell.
5. Praising Allah:
   • Many angels are devoted solely to glorifying and praising Allah continuously.
6. Assisting Believers:
   • Angels provide help and protection to believers in their daily lives, especially during times of difficulty, as instructed by Allah.
7. Blowing the Trumpet:
   • Israfil:
     • He will blow the trumpet (Sur) on the Day of Judgment to signify the end of the world and the resurrection of all souls.

Examples of Angels

1. Jibreel (Gabriel): Delivered Allah’s messages to prophets.
2. Mikail (Michael): Responsible for providing sustenance and managing natural phenomena like rain and vegetation.
3. Israfil: Will sound the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.
4. Munkar and Nakir: Question the deceased in their graves about their faith and deeds.
5. Malik: Oversees Hell.

Angels in Human Life

1. Constant Companions:
   • Angels are always present with humans, observing their actions and recording them.
2. Protection:
   • Angels protect believers from harm by Allah’s will and support them during moments of danger or difficulty.
3. Presence During Worship:
   • Angels gather in places where Allah’s name is mentioned and prayers are offered, bringing blessings to the gathering.

Misconceptions Addressed in Islam

1. Worship of Angels:
   • Islam strictly forbids the worship of angels. They are servants of Allah and are not to be associated as His partners or rivals.
2. Gender Assignments:
   • In pre-Islamic Arabia, some people considered angels as the daughters of Allah. The Quran strongly refutes this notion (Quran 37:149-150).

Conclusion

Mala’ika are an essential part of Allah’s creation, playing vital roles in the governance of the universe, the guidance of humanity, and the enforcement of divine justice. Their constant obedience to Allah and their responsibilities remind Muslims of the importance of submission, accountability, and the unseen aspects of existence that influence their lives.

Written by AI.  A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.