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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Faith and Reason Question 16: The Angels and free-will Question: We know that some angels do nothing but worship Allah (awj). Is this worship of theirs performed of their own freewill? If not, does Allah (awj) have need of such worship? Brief Answer No benefit from any creature’s worship—whether it has freewill or not—reaches Allah (awj). Rather worship that is offered out of freewill is the cause for the spiritual advancement of the worshipper.

However, for creatures that worship Allah (awj) without freewill, such as the angels, their worship is simply an intrinsic part of their existence. Their subservience to Allah (awj) stems from their perception of His greatness, and does not benefit Allah (awj) in the least. Detailed Answer Angels are supernatural beings. We can only know of their existence by way of revelation or through individual supernatural experience.

Angels are immaterial and can therefore not be described quantitatively or qualitatively. However, they can appear in human form. The Qur`an speaks of Mariam’s  encounter with the Noble Spirit when she saw it in human form.[^1] It also tells us of the angels who visited Ibrahim (ع) and Lut (ع) in the form of men.[^2] Additionally, it is narrated that Jibra`il would appear before the (ص) in the form of Dahyah al-Kalbi, the Prophet’s milk-brother.

We know that angels are limited beings that vary from individual to individual. Some are consigned with the responsibility of meting out punishment in this world, some in Purgatory (al-Barzakh) , and some in the Hereafter. Some are entrusted with the task of writing the deeds of men, and some write the decrees of Allah (awj). Some manage the day-to-day affairs of the cosmos, and some are messengers who carry divine revelation.

Some inspire the hearts of men and some are protectors and helpers of the believers. Some have higher rank and give orders to others. Some are responsible for sustenance, some for rain, and some take the souls of people when they die. In the same vein, some angels are perpetually in a state of prostration, some continually bow, and some forever glorify Allah (awj). Some eternally circumambulate the Ka’bah and pay tribute to the graves of the Friends of Allah (awj).

Some seek forgiveness and intercession for the believers. Others curse the disbelievers, pagans, hypocrites and staunch opponents of the Prophet’s household. In all cases, each angel is assigned a specific task.