Understanding the Angels Importance of Adhering to Quranic and Hadith Teachings

Belief in angels is a fundamental part of Islamic faith. It shapes how Muslims understand the unseen world and the way divine messages reach humanity. Ustadah Laila Nasheeba recently began a series exploring the world of angels, emphasizing the need to rely solely on what Allah and His Messenger have confirmed in the Quran and authentic hadith. This approach helps avoid misconceptions and preserves the purity of Islamic teachings.

This post unpacks key points from her lesson, focusing on the nature of angels, their creation, their role in revelation, and their immense size as described in the Quran and hadith. Understanding these aspects deepens faith and clarifies the place angels hold in Islam.

The Foundation of Belief in Angels

Belief in angels is not optional; it is a core tenet of faith. The Quran clearly states the importance of believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day. Allah says:

“O you who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the Book which He sent down to His Messenger, and the Book which He sent down before. Anyone who rejects Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day has gone very far astray.” (Quran 4:136)

This verse highlights that rejecting any of these pillars, including angels, leads one away from the straight path. Angels are not just spiritual beings; they are essential links in the chain of revelation and guidance.

Angels as the Bearers of Revelation

One of the most important roles of angels is delivering Allah’s revelation to the Prophets. The angel Jibril (Gabriel) is the primary messenger who brought the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Without Jibril, the Prophet would not have received the divine message.

The Quran mentions:

“And indeed, he [Muhammad] saw him [Jibril] in the clear horizon [towards the east].” (Quran 81:23)

This verse refers to the Prophet seeing Jibril in his angelic form, a moment that confirms the reality and significance of angels in Islam. The Prophet saw Jibril twice in this form, including near the Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, a lote tree marking the utmost boundary in the heavens.

The Creation of Angels

The Prophet Muhammad described the origins of different beings in a hadith:

“The angels were created from light. The jinn were created from fire. Man was created from what has been described to you.”

This hadith clarifies that angels are made of light, distinguishing them from humans and jinn. This nature explains their purity, obedience, and spiritual qualities. Unlike humans, angels do not have free will to disobey Allah; they carry out His commands perfectly.

The Immense Size of Angels

The Quran and hadith also describe the large size of angels, especially those assigned to significant roles. For example, the angels guarding Hell are described as stern and severe:

“O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire [Hell] whose fuel is men and stones, over which are [appointed] angels stern and severe, who disobey not, [from executing] the Commands they receive from Allah but do that which they are commanded.” (Quran 66:6)

The hadith about Jibril’s size further illustrates this point. The Prophet saw Jibril in his true angelic form twice, and the descriptions emphasize his vastness and majesty. This grandeur reflects the power and seriousness of the angels’ duties.

The image symbolizes the spiritual nature and grandeur of angels as described in Islamic teachings.

Why We Must Stick to Confirmed Teachings

Ustadah Laila Nasheeba stressed the importance of relying only on what Allah and His Messenger have confirmed about angels. Many myths and stories exist about angels, but Muslims must avoid accepting anything not clearly stated in the Quran or authentic hadith.

This approach protects faith from confusion and error. It also ensures that the understanding of angels remains consistent with Islamic principles. The Quran and hadith provide enough information for believers to appreciate the role and nature of angels without speculation.

Practical Lessons from Understanding Angels

Knowing the role and nature of angels can impact a believer’s life in several ways:

• Strengthening Faith: Belief in angels reinforces trust in Allah’s plan and the unseen world.

• Encouraging Obedience: Since angels record deeds and carry out Allah’s commands, believers are reminded to act righteously.

• Appreciating Revelation: Understanding that the Quran was revealed through an angel underscores the sacredness of the message.

• Avoiding Misconceptions: Sticking to confirmed teachings prevents confusion and misguidance.

  
  
  
  

Summary and Reflection

Belief in angels is a pillar of Islamic faith that connects believers to the divine message and the unseen world. The Quran and authentic hadith provide clear guidance about their creation, nature, and roles. Angels are created from light, serve Allah without fail, and play a crucial part in delivering revelation.

Ustadah Laila Nasheeba