How Many Angels Are There in Islam Explained
Curiosity about angels isn’t just about numbers. For Muslims and those curious about Islamic beliefs, seeking to understand angels can turn into a search for deeper meaning and comfort. Angels shape many moments in Islamic teaching and daily life. While many people wonder how many angels there are in Islam, the answer weaves through sacred texts, stories, and traditions. Let’s explore what Islam teaches in a way that makes sense for anyone, whether new to the topic or familiar.
What Islam Says About Angels
Angels in Islam are seen as pure beings, created from light. They carry out God’s commands perfectly. Muslims believe angels can’t disobey and don’t share human weaknesses. Their main role is to serve God and help carry out divine plans.
Creation and Nature of Angels
Islamic teachings say God made angels from light. Unlike humans, they don’t have free will. They never lie, cheat, or act out of self-interest. Angels usually remain invisible to us, but Islamic texts say they can appear in forms, such as when Gabriel visited Mary.
Primary Functions
Angels carry out a wide range of duties:
- Delivering messages: Gabriel (Jibrīl) brought God’s revelations to prophets.
- Recording deeds: Two angels constantly record every person’s actions, both good and bad.
- Protection: Angels protect and support believers, sometimes even during battles.
For a broader look at angelic roles, visit the overview on Angels in Islam.
How Many Angels Are There in Islam
| Angel Name | Role/Duty | Description in Islam |
|---|---|---|
| Jibreel (Gabriel) | Messenger of Revelation | Brings Allah’s revelations to Prophets, including the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. |
| Mikaeel (Michael) | Provider of Sustenance | Controls rain, food, and provisions for Allah’s creatures. |
| Israfeel | Blower of the Trumpet | Will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment – once for death, once for resurrection. |
| Izraeel (Malak al-Mawt) | Angel of Death | Takes souls at the time of death, by Allah’s command. |
| Kiraman Katibeen | Recording Angels | Two angels with every person: one records good deeds, the other bad deeds. |
| Munkar and Nakir | Questioning in the Grave | Question the dead in their graves about faith, Prophet, and deeds. |
| Ridwan | Keeper of Paradise | Guardian of Jannah and its gates, welcoming the righteous. |
| Maalik | Keeper of Hell | Guardian of Jahannam (Hell), overseeing punishment. |
| Hamlat al-‘Arsh | Bearers of Allah’s Throne | Angels who carry the Throne of Allah and glorify Him. |
| Guardian Angels (Mu’aqqibat) | Protectors of Humans | Appointed to protect humans by Allah’s command until death. |
Hadith Evidence on Angel Count
Hadith (prophet’s sayings) offer some hints or traditions about the number of angels, though scholars debate their interpretation and authenticity.
Hadith About 70,000 Angels
One tradition mentions that each believer is visited by 70,000 angels, but scholars stress this doesn’t mean it’s the same at all times or for everyone. The number highlights the vastness of the angelic world rather than offering a formula.
Other Numerical Traditions
Other narrations mention that 4,000 angels attend prophets or that there are countless angels worshiping around God’s throne. While these reports spark conversation, they point more to the idea of numbers beyond human comprehension.
Major Categories and Their Numbers
Let’s break down a few of the angel types Muslims hear about the most, along with estimates from scholars when possible.
Guardian Angels (Mu’aqqibat)
Islamic teaching says each person has two guardian angels, in line with Qur’an 13:11. They carry out God’s protection through night and day. Sources, including how many angels are assigned to each person in Islam, support this point.
Recording Angels (Kiraman Katibin)
Known from Qur’an verses 82:10‑12, each person has two angels that record every action. One tracks good deeds, the other notes missteps.
Angels of the Throne and Heaven
There are untold numbers of angels who serve God at His throne. Some traditions estimate thousands, but most scholars say the true figure is beyond counting.
Scholarly Interpretations of the Total Count
No agreed-upon number of angels exists. Most Islamic scholars agree that the angelic world is vast and largely hidden from human senses.
Classical Views
Well-known scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that while some angels are named and numbered, the total is “vast but unspecified.” This protects the mystery and honor of the unseen.
Modern Perspectives
Contemporary scholars often say the focus should be less on the number and more on the functions of angels. Symbolically, the countless angels show the reach and organization of divine will.
Conclusion
Islam doesn’t provide a precise number of angels. The faith emphasizes their constant activity and presence in the universe, with figures used to make a point rather than count heads. Next time you reflect, remember that angels—countless, unseen, loyal—are always part of life’s journey, supporting and recording each person’s deeds. Angels play countless unsung roles, with their subtle presence offering both comfort and a sense of awe for anyone who believes. For a deeper dive, check the info on the number of angels assigned to each person. You may also like to discover How to Be a Martyr in Islam