Thread by @aaolomi

Angels are an important part of faith in Islam. As in the case with Judaism and Christianity, a mystical interpretation of angels is found within the writing of some thinkers

A thread on angels, magic, and astrology

As medieval Muslim writers encountered Hellenic, Indian, and Persian literature on the cosmos some mapped angels out onto the classical astrological planets.

While falling outside orthodox belief, the correspondence of angels to the planets were used in some magical practices

The angel Ruqiyail is associated with the Sun. Described as carrying a great banner and attended by mighty heavenly kings, this angel exudes power and joy.

Jibrail rules over the Moon. In traditional accounts, Jibrail is the angel of revelation while in esoteric traditions the angel is called upon to constrain the djinn

Mars is ruled by Samsamail a fierce angel carrying red banners aloft on a lance.

Mikail on the other hand governs Mercury and is an angel that grants mercy and sustenance

The angel of Jupiter is Sarfayail clothed in green and white and surrounded by mighty lieutenants

Then there is the angel Anayail of Venus and governor of Friday. This angel descends with joy and celebration bringing love in its wake

Finally there is the dour Kasfiyail who rules over Saturn armed with a sword and mighty tempests

These angels are a point of intersection between Jewish mysticism, Hellenic, and Persian astrology, and Indian mathematics with Islamic esoteric practices

For example the Muslim mage using astrological timing could craft a talisman under the auspices of Saturn, invoking Kasfiyail, along with alpha-numeric symbols.

Such a charm could be used to discover and trap thieves

Or invoking Samsamail under Martial timing and using one of the Names of God, Al Jabbar, the wise could craft a talisman to force powerful people to shower them with respect and honor

Many of these practices involved specialized knowledge, an understanding of magic squares, astrology, and mastery of various names and words of power

Though considered a forbidden practice, it was still quite popular and many treatises were written about angels, astrology, and talismans

For scholars it provides a fascinating glimpse not only into esoteric and magical practices, but also how Muslims engaged with, integrated, and expanded on the cultures around them

I shall expand on magic in Islam in future threads