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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books 180 Questions Enquiries About Islam Volume Two: Various issues What is the reality of Angels? ================================= The Noble Qur’an has spoken about the angels on numerous occasions with a great number of verses speaking of their attributes, characteristics and responsibilities.

So much so that the Qur’an places the issue of belief in the angels at par with belief in Allah (s.w.t.), the prophets and the Divine books, and this itself is proof of the fundamental importance of this issue.

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللٌّهِ وَ مَلاَئِكَتِهِ وَ كُـتُبِهِ وَ رُسُلِهِ‏ “The messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers; they all believe in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers.” [^1] Undoubtedly, the existence of the angels is one of the issues of the ghaib (Unseen) and therefore, proving their existence and their characteristics cannot be accomplished except by means of transmitted proofs; hence, we ought to accept them according to the ruling of 'believing in the Unseen'.

The Qur’an mentions their characteristics as follows: The angels are entities that possess intelligence and comprehension, and are the honourable servants of Allah (s.w.t.). بَلْ عِبَادٌ مُكْرَمُونَ “Nay! they are honored servants.” [^2] They are totally subservient to Allah (s.w.t.) and never exhibit insubordination towards Him.

لاَ يَسْبِقُونَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ وَ هُمْ بِأَمْرِهِ يَعْمَلُونَ “They do not precede Him in speech and (only) according to His commandment do they act.” [^3] They have been assigned important and greatly varied responsibilities on the part of Allah (s.w.t.).

A group upholds the 'Arsh (Throne).[^4] A group 'regulates the affair'.[^5] A group of them are for the seizing of the souls.[^6] A group is vigilant of the deeds of the humans.[^7] A group protects humans from perils and untoward incidents.[^8] A group is responsible for punishing and chastising the rebellious and recalcitrant nations.[^9] Some angels are divine helpers for the believers during battles.[^10] And finally some of the angels bring down the Revelation and the Divine books for the prophets…[^11] …And if we were to enumerate each of their duties, the discussion would become greatly protracted.

They are perpetually engaged in glorifying and sanctifying Allah (s.w.t.), as we read in verse 5 of Suratul Shura.

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