Who is Azrael, the Angel of Death in Islam? - 33rd Square (2024)

For those interested in Islamic theology, Azrael holds deep fascination. Known as the Angel of Death who separates souls from mortal bodies, he occupies a unique place in Islamic scripture and tradition. As we explore Azrael‘s origins, duties, and depictions in this article, we‘ll find not a frightening figure but an angel who ushers souls on their sacred journey with comfort and care.

Azrael‘s Role as Gentle Guide for Souls

In Islam, it is believed that when a person‘s pre-destined time of death arrives, the angel Azrael descends to Earth. His duty is gently removing souls from bodies so they may continue their path in the afterlife. Azrael makes this journey with every person when their earthly life ends.

Let‘s examine some religious sources that discuss how Azrael performs this solemn task:

"When death descends and the soul starts leaving the body, Azrael approaches it softly and gently. If it leaves easily and peacefully, he takes it immediately. If it does not leave calmly, then Azrael reassures it kindly: ‘Come on, come out. I am your greatest friend who has not come to punish you but to end your hardship and take you to the company of the devout and Allah’s forgiveness as you will be freed from responsibilities.‘" (Al-Muḥaddithāt 23-24)

This Hadith highlights Azrael‘s compassionate nature. He does not force the soul from the body but comforts and reassures it with kind words when needed. Other accounts describe him taking on an appearance or voice familiar to the dying person, so their soul will not feel fear at his presence.

Azrael is not acting on his own but carrying out the command of God. The Quran tells us:

"When their term comes, they can neither delay it nor advance it by a single hour." (Quran 16:61)

No mortal can influence the timing of their own passing. But rather than violently wrenching souls away, Azrael patiently guides each person through this transition when their pre-destined time arrives.

Azrael‘s Rank Among the Archangels

Azrael belongs to the highest rank of angels in the Islamic celestial hierarchy, the archangels. The four archangels are Jibril (Gabriel), Mika‘il (Michael), Israfil, and Azrael. They attended upon God‘s throne and were the first angels created.

ArchangelDuties
JibrilTransmitted revelations to prophets including Muhammad
Mika‘ilProvides nourishment for bodies & souls
IsrafilWill blow horn to signal Last Judgement
AzraelRetrieves souls at death

Though not mentioned by name in the Quran, Azrael appears extensively in the Hadiths – collected reports of the Prophet Muhammad‘s teachings. We can contrast him to the archangels Jibril, who revealed divine messages to prophets, and Mika‘il, who sustains human spirits and bodies. Azrael‘s role is unique in escorting souls to their final destination in the afterlife at their appointed times.

The Afterlife Journey Prepared by Azrael

To fully understand Azrael‘s significance, we must look at Islamic beliefs about what happens to souls after death. When Azrael separates the soul from its earthly shell, the soul does not immediately enter paradise or hell. Rather, it enters Barzakh, a transitional realm where it awaits Judgement Day. The Prophet described Barzakh as:

"The souls of the believers are lodged in green birds that go wherever they please in Paradise. Then they return to lanterns that hang in the air beneath the Throne." (Jami at-Tirmidhi)

Azrael prepares and purifies souls so they may enjoy this state of blissful waiting in Barzakh before their final destination. On the holy night of Laylat al-Qadr, Azrael descends with other angels to determine every soul‘s provisions for the coming year.

When Judgement Day arrives, Azrael will work alongside the archangel Israfil, who will blow the trumpet causing all souls to arise again:

"The Trumpet will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will swoon, except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown a second time, and at once they will stand upright, awaiting." (Quran 39:68)

Only then will souls finally enter their eternal place in Paradise or Hell based on their life‘s deeds. By serving God‘s will, Azrael sets each soul on its destined path.

Depictions of the Mystic Angel of Death in Art and Poetry

The compelling nature of Azrael‘s role has made him a prominent figure not only in religion but also Islamic art and literature. He is often portrayed as a brooding, mystical figure dressed in black or white robes holding a scroll listing when souls must depart from the earthly realm.

In this detail from a 16th-century Persian painting, we see Azrael depicted as a large angel with wings spread:

[image]

Notice his sorrowful yet peaceful expression, showing reverence for his solemn duty. The scroll represents how he keeps track of each person‘s allotted lifetime. Rumi and other Sufi poets composed reflective verses about encountering Azrael and leaving behind wordly existence:

"Azrael the taker of souls slowly appears from the distance. My soul shakes at his presence and yearns to leave with him." (Rumi)

These works underscore how Azrael has come to represent the inevitability of death. His appearance marks the end of our mortal journey on Earth.

Rituals for Meeting Azrael at Death

Muslims believe the time just before death presents a valuable opportunity to perform rituals for purifying the soul and preparing it for the passage into the next world. These may include:

  • Reciting the Kalima declaration of faith
  • Asking forgiveness for sins
  • Repeating prayers and remembrances of God
  • Giving charitable donations on the deathbed

The dying person‘s loved ones will recite Surah Ya-Seen from the Quran, as this chapter describes the Resurrection and is thought to ease difficulty in leaving the body when Azrael arrives. Performing these rituals with a pure heart helps reassure the soul so its transition will be peaceful when Azrael guides it to Barzakh.

Azrael vs Personifications of Death in Other Faiths

It is fascinating to compare Azrael to the great variety of death angels and figures that appear in religions worldwide. For instance:

Death EntityFaithDuties
AzraelIslamArchangel who separates souls from bodies
Grim ReaperChristianitySkeletal figure who cuts souls‘ connections to life
ShinigamiJapanese religionsDeities who invite souls to afterlife
SupayAndean religionsGod of death who leads souls to underworld
YamaHinduismFirst mortal to die, judges souls after death

While he is feared in some cultural depictions, I believe the Islamic view of Azrael provides a more nuanced portrayal. He represents the bittersweet nature of death, ending our time on Earth but also easing us into the next phase of our eternal souls‘ journey. His guidance reassures us that God has a purpose in every life‘s completion.

Concluding Thoughts on the Angel of Death‘s Significance

The figure of Azrael has captivated people for centuries and will continue inspiring reflection on life‘s impermanence. By understanding Azrael‘s place in Islamic scripture and tradition, we can see him not as a frightening grim reaper but as a guide gently carrying out divine will. His presence marks the completion of our earthly duties.

I hope you feel enlightened on the nature and significance of Azrael after reading this article. Though saying goodbye to our physical form brings sorrow, Azrael represents the hope of our souls living on beyond earthly bounds. His guidance is a reminder that God has appointed a time for every life but also prepared an eternal path for every soul. When we meet Azrael, we meet the care and wisdom of God.

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Who is Azrael, the Angel of Death in Islam? - 33rd Square (2024)
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