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Angel
Also known as: Mal'akh, Angelos, Malak
Angel
Spiritual beings who serve as messengers and servants of God. The word itself means “messenger” in Hebrew, Greek, and Arabic—reflecting their primary role as intermediaries between the divine and human realms.
Nature of Angels
Angels are typically understood as:
- Created beings, distinct from God
- Spiritual/non-physical (though they can appear in physical form)
- Immortal
- Possessing intelligence and will
- Organized in hierarchies
In Judaism
Jewish tradition recognizes various types of angels:
Named Angels
- Gabriel - Associated with strength and revelation
- Michael - Guardian of Israel, warrior angel
- Raphael - Associated with healing
- Uriel - Associated with light and wisdom
Categories
The Hebrew Bible presents angels as:
- Messengers (mal’akhim)
- Seraphim (Isaiah 6) - Six-winged beings around God’s throne
- Cherubim - Guardians (Eden, Ark of the Covenant)
- The “Angel of the LORD” - sometimes identified with God Himself
In Christianity
Christianity inherited Jewish angelology and developed it further:
Hierarchy
Medieval theology (following Pseudo-Dionysius) organized angels into nine choirs:
- Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones
- Dominions, Virtues, Powers
- Principalities, Archangels, Angels
Key Roles
- Gabriel announces Jesus’ birth to Mary
- Angels minister to Jesus after his temptation
- Angels announce the resurrection
- Angels will accompany Christ at his return
Fallen Angels
Satan and demons are understood as angels who rebelled against God.
In Islam
Angels (malā’ika) are essential to Islamic belief—one of the six articles of faith:
Major Angels
- Jibril (Gabriel) - Brings revelation; delivered the Quran to Muhammad
- Mikail (Michael) - Provides sustenance
- Israfil - Will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment
- Azrael - Angel of death
Nature
- Created from light
- Do not have free will (unlike humans and jinn)
- Cannot disobey God
- Neither male nor female
Roles
- Recording angels (Kiraman Katibin) record every deed
- Munkar and Nakir question souls in the grave
- Angels carry God’s throne
Angelic Encounters
Notable angelic visitations across traditions: