The angels form an unseen world. Allah created the angels from light and they obey the commands of Allah.The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from that which has been described to you.”
[Muslim, 2996]Â
“[they, i.e., angels] disobey not, (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.”
[66:6 – interpretation of the meaning]Â
The angels are a mighty creation, and they perform many tasks, and they are divided into many groups, which no one knows except Allah. Some of them carry the Throne:
“Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah)…”
[40:7 – interpretation of the meaning]Â
The angels bear witness to the Oneness of Allah, as Allah says:
“Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”
[3:18 – interpretation of the meaning]Â
Belief in the angels is one of the pillars of faith, and whoever denies it is a kafir (disbeliever):
“… and whosoever disbelieves in Allah, His gngels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away.”
[4:136 – interpretation of the meaning]Â
Belief in the angels implies four essential things:Â
1) Affirming that they exist and that they are part of the creation of Allah, subject to His Lordship and subjugated to Him.
“…honoured slaves.
They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His command” [21:26-27 – interpretation of the meaning]
“Who disobey not, (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.” [66:6 – interpretation of the meaning]
“And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship).
They (i.e. the angels) glorify His praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so).” [21:19-20 – interpretation of the meaning]
2) Belief in the names of those whose name we know, such as Jibreel, Mikail, Israfil, Malik, Radwan and others – peace be upon them.
3) Belief in the attributes of those whose attributes we know, as we know the description of Jibreel (peace be upon him) from the sunnah (prophetic teachings), and that he has six hundred wings which filled the horizon or the sky.
4) Belief in the actions which we know some of them do, so Jibreel (peace be upon him) was entrusted with that which revives the heart, namely the revelation. Israfil (peace be upon him) is entrusted with sounding the trumpet-blast (to herald the onset of the Day of Resurrection); Mikail (peace be upon him) is entrusted with the rain; Malik (peace be upon him) is entrusted with Hell, and so on.