Thread by @aaolomi

In Islamic cosmology there are three intelligent beings in the universe: humans fashioned of clay, djinn made of smokeless fire, and angels beings of light.

A thread on angels in Islam and the Middle East

There are a few named angels in orthodoxy like Jibrail, Mikail, Azrael, and Israfil which I discussed in a previous thread

There are also more esoteric angels that appear in mysticism, magic, and folklore

It is accepted by many scholars that Malik is the angel that guards hell. Some relate further details like how each of his fingers inflicts punishment on the wicked.

During Muhammad’s night journey he met many angels including Malik & his counterpart Ridwan guardian of heaven

It is said all the angels smiled upon meeting Muhammad, except Malik who never smiles.

The stony Malik is said to listen unmoved to the pleas of the wicked. They cry out for mercy for eons. Occasionally he looks down and responds, “No.”

Muhammad is also said to have met an Angel of Tears. A being who weeps for humanity, pleading on their behalf.

Opposite of the Angel of Tears is the Angel of Vengeance, fierce and wreathed in flame.

Some associate the Angel of Death, Azrail with the Angel of Vengeance, but others say they are different.

Equally terrifying are the Zabaniyya, who aid Malik. Some number them as 19 and others as far more.

They punish the wicked and exact God’s justice.

Their origins historically are controversial. There are some theories that the Zabinyya in Pre Islamic Arabia were djinns that took vengeance on behalf of the wronged. Like the Furies of the Greco-Roman world or hell hounds they hunted the evil

It is said they carry chains and can be heard coming at the final hour. In other interpretation when Iblis, the devil raised his head in hubris and defiance, it was the Zabinyya who cast the chains of damnation upon him at God’s command.

Hell is said to have other angels who mind it, known as Khazana. Others say Khazana are a class of angels to which the Zabinyya and their leader Malik belong

The Khazana also mind Barzakh the barrier between the living and the dead

The all-seeing and ever watchful Angel of Death Azrail reaps the souls of all the living. While it waits under a mighty tree upon which everyone’s name is written—waiting for the leaves to fall to signify a reaping—the angel’s assistants go out to visit the dying

The wicked are either visited by the Zabaniyya or by the aids to Azrail. Their soul is then handed over to Dumah, the caretaker who ensures souls go to where they need to go

Then there is Raguil an angel of justice and Artiail the angel who lifts sorrow out of the hearts of humanity and gives them comfort.

While the righteous welcome Raguil, the mere presence of Artail brings comfort

There are other such protector angels as well, called the Hafazhah, who guard and protect humanity. Some say there are four for every person and others say ten.

Since only a few angels are named in Islamic doctrine, many fall into lore some esoteric & others controversial

Fitrus is one. An earthbound angel who is said to live on a special island. Some say he was banished from heaven because he was a procrastinator and delayed his duty

It is said upon the birth of Ali he was forgiven and restored to heaven.

While Fitrus’ tale is popular with some, it is controversial among some scholars

So too is the tale of Harut and Marut, two angels who also were sent to earth. Some narrations say they descended to test humanity while in other interpretations they are said of have erred.

In this interpretation they fall in love with women and teach humanity magic

They are also said to have taught the Babylonians astrology.

An interesting story says they were tricked by a woman named Bidukh, who learned from them magic and the secret of ascension to heaven

In another interpretation, Bidukh is not a temptress but a wise woman who learns the secrets of Harut and Marut and ascends to heaven so God makes her the star Venus.

Bidukh is also said to be the djinn queen and daughter of Iblis.

The connection with Venus the morning star hints at a pre Islamic origin for her

In Islamic esotericism, angels are connected with certain magical practices like talismans. Mitatrush, or Metatron, is said to know the secret of Moses’ Staff and so his name appears on talismans of power

Other angels are associated with the planets and astrology and the making of astrological talismans. Famously, Qasfail, is said to be angel of Saturn and the name is inscribed on talismans to guards doors and locks or catch thieves

There are also planetary spirits, ruhiniyya who some interpret as an entirely separate class of spirits while others see as djinn or angels respectively

I’ll expand on angels in Islamic esotericism and their connection to planets in future threads