Angel archangel
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Azrael

Also known as: Azra'il, Izrail, Malak al-Maut

Angel of Death

Azrael

The Angel of Death in Islamic tradition and some Jewish sources. Known as Malak al-Maut (Angel of Death) in the Quran, though the name Azrael comes from later tradition.

In Islam

Azrael is one of the four archangels and holds the unique responsibility of separating souls from bodies at death:

The Angel of Death

  • Tasked by God with taking the souls of all who die
  • The Quran mentions “the Angel of Death” without naming him: “Say: The angel of death, who has been assigned to you, will take your souls. Then you will be returned to your Lord.” (32:11)
  • Works with helper angels who assist in the process
  • Takes souls according to God’s decree, at the appointed time

Role and Nature

Islamic tradition teaches that Azrael:

  • Possesses a massive form with innumerable eyes and tongues
  • Each eye and tongue represents a person living or yet to be born
  • Treats righteous souls gently, taking them peacefully
  • Removes the souls of the wicked with difficulty
  • Records each death in a great book
  • Knows when each person will die (though only God controls the timing)

Among the Four Archangels

Azrael is counted among Islam’s four greatest angels:

  • Jibril (Gabriel) - Revelation
  • Mikail (Michael) - Sustenance
  • Israfil - The Trumpet
  • Azrael - Death

In Judaism

Jewish tradition also has an Angel of Death, though not always called Azrael:

  • In rabbinic literature, the Angel of Death appears in various forms
  • Sometimes identified with Satan or the evil inclination
  • Depicted as wielding a sword or knife
  • Can be stayed off through righteousness and prayer (in some traditions)
  • The Talmud describes the Angel of Death as full of eyes

The name Azrael appears in some post-Talmudic Jewish mystical texts, likely influenced by Islamic sources.

In Christianity

Christianity does not traditionally recognize Azrael. Christian theology generally does not personify death as a specific angel, though death itself is sometimes portrayed as an enemy to be defeated (1 Corinthians 15:26).

Cultural Impact

The figure of Azrael as the Angel of Death has had significant cultural influence:

  • Often depicted as a dark, hooded figure (though this is more Western cultural imagery than Islamic tradition)
  • Symbol of the inevitability of death
  • Reminder of accountability before God
  • In Islamic thought, a figure not to be feared but respected as an agent of God’s will