Angels in Islam Lecture Notes

The Prophet's Journey and Encounters with Angels

1. The Prophet's Night Journey:
   • Asked about the sound and sights.
   • Describes heavens creaking due to no space without an angel in prostration.
2. NASA Recording:
   • Sounds like a billion men in Gregorian chant; relates to Hadith mentioning angels' continuous praise.
3. Cosmic Perspective:
   • Angels vastly outnumber jinn and devils providing a sense of security.
4. Second Pillar of Faith:
   • Belief in angels, due to their role in the integrity of divine messages.

Beliefs About Angels Across Theologies

1. General Beliefs:
   • Judeo-Christians view angels as capable of making mistakes (fallible) and include concepts of dark angels.
2. Angels in Islam:
   • Created from light, symbolizing purity and infallibility.
   • Physical forms: large and powerful, varying in size and wings (2, 3, 4, etc.).
   • Presence in worship alongside humans, represented by creatures of mountain sizes.

Major Angels and Their Roles

1. Hierarchy and Tasks:
   • Jibril (Gabriel): the head of angels, responsible for Revelation; the largest in size with significant tasks.
   • Mikail (Michael): apportions sustenance, rain, and provision.
   • Israfil: will blow the horn for resurrection, residing intently on God's throne awaiting command.
   • Angel of Death: Takes individual souls.
2. Elite Class of Angels:
   • Known as those who apportion Allah's command, including the aforementioned angels.

Specific Mention of Angels in Hadith and Theology

1. Jibril's Various Names and Meanings:
   • Variants: Jabril, Jibril, and others derived from biblical origins, meaning strength or servant of God.
   • Attributes: Mighty strength, trustworthy, stable, and beloved by other angels.
2. Physical Form:
   • Angelic: 600 wings, massive, colorful rubies and pearls falling, overwhelming presence.
   • Human: Could shape-shift to beautiful and noble forms, resembling the best of the people among prophets like Moses (dark-skinned) and Ibrahim (similar to Muhammad SAWS).

The Character and Specific Incidents Involving Angels

1. Space and Time:
   • Jibril is believed to be the first living creature with a soul, showcasing Allah's creation steps.
2. Interaction with Prophets:
   • Angels play supportive roles to prophets, e.g., Jibril with Moses and the punishments to nations, creation roles, and communication.
3. Everyday Influence:
   • Angels record and assist believers, can inspire and bring revelation, testify on the Day of Judgment.
4. Guidance on Prayer and Worship:
   • Angels guiding daily prayers and Hajj, transitioning revelation times, and encouragement in forms of Zikr and charity.
5. Testing and Blessings:
   • Abraham’s testing and blessings through angelic interaction, showing predictions and interventions.
   • Assist believers notably in remembrance and defending faith.

Reflections on the Afterlife and Angels

1. End of Life:
   • Angels visiting at death, offering support and comfort, transitioning souls to the afterlife.
2. Role of Salah and Good Deeds:
   • Encouragement of prayer, charity, and good conduct as pathways to angelic companionship and Jannah (Paradise).

Final Wisdom and Life Advises From Jibril to the Prophet (PBUH)

• Personal Advices by Jibril:
  • Life is temporary, value comes in the hereafter.
  • Dignity in worship and independence from people.
  • Example scenarios showing the value of humility, ensuring human connections, and divine praise.

Death and Legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

1. Final Moments:
   • Jibril present, offering choices and comforting Prophet Muhammad.
   • Transition to hereafter smoothened by angelic presence and promises.

Importance of Angelic Presence in a Believer’s Life

• Angels guide believers continually in life and pray for those who engage in good deeds, reinforcing a close attachment to divine presence through regular worship and moral actions.

Practical Faith Engagement with Angels

• Continual remembrance in daily prayers, embracing angelic support, and understanding their significance in the spiritual journey, ultimately leading to eternal companionship in Jannah (Paradise) with prophets, righteous, and angels.