Names of Angels in Islam: Arabic Names, Duties and Sources

Angels are part of the unseen world in Islam. Muslims believe Allah created them to worship Him and carry out His commands.

Some angels are named in the Quran. Some are named in hadith. Many more angels exist, but their names are known only to Allah.

How Many Angels Are There in Islam?

Islam teaches that angels are very many. Their full number is known only to Allah.

This is why people get different answers online. Some lists say 10 angels. Some say 19. Some say 20, 25, or 72. These numbers usually come from school lessons, short videos, or mixed lists of named angels and angel groups.

The safest answer is this: there are countless angels, but only some are named or clearly described in the Quran and hadith.

The number 19 is often misunderstood. Quran 74:30-31 mentions 19 guardians of Hell. It does not mean there are only 19 angels in Islam.

The number 10 usually refers to a short student list of major angels and angel groups. The number 20 is a longer list of teachings. The number 72 is not a standard Quran-based count of named angels.

So the better question is not “How many angels exist?” The better question is “Which angels are named or described in Islamic sources?”

What Are Angels in Islam?

Angels are unseen creations of Allah. They are not gods, children of God, spirits of dead people, or objects of worship.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that angels were created from light.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2996

The Quran describes angels as servants who obey Allah. Quran 66:6 says the angels over Hell do not disobey Allah and do what they are commanded.

This means angels are not like humans. Humans can obey or disobey. Angels carry out the commands Allah gives them.

Angels have many duties. Some deliver revelation. Some record deeds. Some take souls. Some protect people by Allah’s command. Some guard Paradise or Hell. Some worship Allah constantly.

Main Angels in Islam: Arabic Names, Duties and Sources

The table below gives the clearest names and groups of angels mentioned in Islamic sources.

1. Jibril: Angel of Revelation

Arabic: جبريل

Transliteration: Jibril

Common English name: Gabriel

Jibril is one of the greatest angels in Islam. Allah sent revelation through Jibril to the prophets, including the Quran to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Quran 2:97 says that Jibril brought the Quran down to the Prophet’s heart by Allah’s permission.

Source: Quran 2:97 to 98

Jibril is also named with Mikail in Quran 2:98. This makes Jibril one of the few angels clearly named in the Quran.

Hadith also describes Jibril in a powerful way. Ibn Masud reported that the Prophet ﷺ saw Jibril with 600 wings.

Source: Sahih al Bukhari 3232

Jibril’s role shows that revelation is not human guesswork. It came from Allah through a trusted angel.

2. Mikail: Angel Linked to Provision

Arabic: ميكائيل

Transliteration: Mikail

Common English name: Michael

Mikail is named in Quran 2:98 with Jibril.

Source: Quran 2:98

Muslim teaching often connects Mikail with rain, provision, and natural affairs that support life. These details are usually taught through Islamic tradition rather than a direct Quran verse that explains his full job description.

Mikail’s name reminds Muslims that food, rain, life, and survival are not random gifts. They come from Allah’s control and mercy.

3. Israfil: Angel of the Trumpet

Arabic: إسرافيل

Transliteration: Israfil

Israfil is known as the angel who will blow the Trumpet before the Day of Judgment.

The Quran mentions the Trumpet several times, but it does not name Israfil in those verses. His name is known from hadith and Islamic teaching.

A hadith mentions the Prophet ﷺ beginning night prayer with a dua that names Jibril, Mikail, and Israfil.

Source: Sunan an Nasai 1625

Israfil’s role is tied to the end of worldly life and the start of resurrection. When Allah commands, the Trumpet will be blown and the world as we know it will end.

4. Malak al Mawt: Angel of Death

Arabic: ملك الموت

Transliteration: Malak al Mawt

Meaning: Angel of Death

Quran 32:11 says the Angel of Death will take people’s souls and then they will return to Allah.

Source: Quran 32:11

Many Muslims also know the Angel of Death by the name Azrael. That name is common in Muslim teaching, but the Quran itself uses Malak al Mawt.

This angel’s duty reminds every person that death is not an accident outside Allah’s knowledge. Every soul returns to Him at its appointed time.

5. Munkar and Nakir: Angels of the Grave

Arabic: منكر ونكير

Transliteration: Munkar and Nakir

Munkar and Nakir are the angels who question a person in the grave.

A hadith says that when a person is buried, two angels come to him. One is called Munkar and the other is called Nakir.

Source: Jami at Tirmidhi 1071

They ask about faith. The questions are often taught as:

• Who is your Lord?
• What is your religion?
• What did you say about this man, meaning Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

These angels remind Muslims that faith is not only something said in public. It must live in the heart and show in deeds.

6. Kiraman Katibin: The Recording Angels

Arabic: كراما كاتبين

Transliteration: Kiraman Katibin

Meaning: Honorable recorders

The Kiraman Katibin record what people do.

Quran 82:10 to 12 says there are watchers over people, honorable angels recording, who know what people do.

Source: Quran 82:10 to 12

The Quran also mentions two receivers seated on the right and left.

Source: Quran 50:17 to 18

This belief should make a Muslim more careful. A private word, hidden click, quiet charity, and secret sin are all known to Allah.

The recording angels do not miss the details. Awkward for the ego, useful for the soul.

7. Malik: Keeper of Hell

Arabic: مالك

Transliteration: Malik

Malik is named in Quran 43:77.

The people of Hell will call out to Malik and ask that their Lord end them. Malik will reply that they will remain.

Source: Quran 43:77

Malik is the chief keeper connected to Hell. The Quran also describes angels over Hell as strong and severe, never disobeying Allah’s command.

Source: Quran 66:6

This is a serious reminder. Hell is not a joke, symbol, or cartoon fire. It is part of the unseen reality Allah warns about.

8. Ridwan: Keeper of Paradise

Arabic: رضوان

Transliteration: Ridwan

Ridwan is commonly known in Muslim teaching as the keeper of Paradise.

The Quran does not name Ridwan directly. Quran 39:73 mentions the keepers of Paradise greeting the righteous when they enter.

Source: Quran 39:73

Because the Quran does not directly name Ridwan, it is better to say “commonly known as Ridwan” rather than claim the Quran names him.

This is a small detail, but it matters. Islamic writing should not turn a common teaching into a Quran quote if the Quran does not say it directly.

9. Hamalat al Arsh: Bearers of the Throne

Arabic: حملة العرش

Transliteration: Hamalat al Arsh

Meaning: Bearers of the Throne

Quran 40:7 mentions the angels who carry the Throne and those around it. They glorify Allah and ask forgiveness for the believers.

Source: Quran 40:7

These angels show the greatness of Allah’s creation. They are connected to one of the highest scenes described in the Quran.

Their dua for the believers is also comforting. The angels ask Allah to forgive those who repent and follow His way.

10. Zabaniyah: Angels Linked to Hell

Arabic: الزبانية

Transliteration: Zabaniyah

The Zabaniyah are angels linked to punishment and Hell.

Quran 66:6 describes angels over Hell as strong and severe. Quran 74:30 to 31 mentions 19 guardians over Hell and says they are angels.

Sources: Quran 66:6 and Quran 74:30 to 31

This is where the “19 angels” question comes from. The 19 are guardians over Hell. They are not the total number of angels in Islam.

11. Hafazah: Guardian Angels

Arabic: الحفظة

Transliteration: Hafazah

Meaning: Guardians

Quran 13:11 says each person has successive angels before and behind, protecting them by Allah’s command.

Source: Quran 13:11

These angels protect only by Allah’s permission. They do not act on their own power.

This belief gives comfort without turning angels into independent protectors. Allah protects, and He may assign angels as part of His command.

12. Harut and Marut

Arabic: هاروت وماروت

Transliteration: Harut and Marut

Harut and Marut are mentioned in Quran 2:102 in the story of Babylon.

Source: Quran 2:102

This passage is often discussed in relation to magic, testing, and what people choose to learn or misuse. It is a serious topic and should not be turned into fantasy storytelling.

The key lesson is that knowledge can be a test. What a person does with it matters.

Angels Named in the Quran vs Hadith Only

Some angels are named clearly in the Quran. Others are known from hadith or later Islamic teaching.

Named in the Quran

Mentioned by Title or Group in the Quran

Known from Hadith or Islamic Teaching

What Do Angels Look Like in Islam?

Islam does not describe every angel’s full form. Much of this belongs to the unseen.

Still, some details appear in hadith.

The Prophet ﷺ said angels were created from light.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2996

Hadith also mentions that the Prophet ﷺ saw Jibril with 600 wings.

Source: Sahih al Bukhari 3232

Another narration says the Prophet ﷺ saw Jibril in his true form covering the horizon.

Source: Sahih al Bukhari 3234

These descriptions show that angels are not like the soft, baby-like figures depicted in some art. Islamic sources describe them as powerful creations of Allah.

Do Angels Have Free Will?

Angels obey Allah.

Quran 66:6 says the angels over Hell do not disobey Allah and do what they are commanded.

Source: Quran 66:6

This is different from humans and jinn. Humans are tested with choices. Angels carry out Allah’s commands.

That is why angels do not need to repent as humans do. They do not live through the same moral test.

Do Angels Have Gender?

Islam does not teach that angels are male or female in the human sense.

The Quran rejects false claims made about angels, including claims that they were daughters of Allah.

Angels are not human beings. They are not family members of Allah. They are honored servants of Allah.

For clear writing, avoid calling angels male or female unless you are simply following the grammar of a translation.

Categories of Angels in Islam

Not every angel is known by a personal name. Many are known by their duty or group.

Angels of Revelation

Jibril is the main angel of revelation. He brought Allah’s message to the prophets.

Angels of Death

Malak al Mawt takes souls by Allah’s command. Other angels may also be involved in the process of death, as mentioned in Quranic descriptions.

Recording Angels

Kiraman Katibin record human deeds. Their work reminds us that life is being written down.

Guardian Angels

Hafazah protect people by Allah’s command. Their protection is not separate from Allah’s will.

Angels of Paradise

The Quran mentions keepers of Paradise who greet the righteous with peace.

Angels of Hell

The Quran mentions strong angels over Hell and the 19 guardians connected to it.

Bearers of the Throne

The Hamalat al Arsh carry the Throne and make dua for the believers.

Why Belief in Angels Matters

Belief in angels is one of the core beliefs of Islam.

It teaches that the unseen world is real. It also reminds Muslims that Allah’s command reaches every part of creation.

Angels are connected to revelation, death, the grave, daily deeds, protection, Paradise, Hell, and the Day of Judgment.

This belief should make a Muslim more aware. You are never truly alone. Allah sees you, and your actions matter.

Common Mistakes About Angels in Islam

Mistake 1: Saying Islam Has Only 10 Angels

Islam does not teach that only 10 angels exist. The number 10 is usually a short list to learn.

Mistake 2: Saying the 19 Angels Are All Angels

The 19 angels in Quran 74:30 to 31 are guardians over Hell. That number is not the total count of angels.

Mistake 3: Saying Every Angel Name Is in the Quran

Some names are in the Quran. Some are from hadith. Some are common in Islamic teaching.

Mistake 4: Calling Angels Dead People

Angels are not souls of dead people. They are a separate creation.

Mistake 5: Worshiping or Praying to Angels

Muslims worship Allah alone. Angels are honored servants, not gods.

Key Stats From the Search Brief

• The brief found 142 search results for this topic.

• The search intent is reference-based and educational.

• The brief found confusion around 10, 19, 20, 25, and 72 angels.

• The brief notes that zero top editorial competitors provide Arabic script for every angel name.

• The brief notes that zero top editorial competitors provide a Quran verse or hadith source for each angel.

• The brief found that a social media reel ranked high, which shows users want simple and visual explanations.

Conclusion

Angels in Islam are honored creations of Allah. They are created from light, obey Allah, and carry out duties in the seen and unseen worlds.

Some angels are named in the Quran, such as Jibril, Mikail, Malik, Harut, and Marut. Others are known from hadith, such as Israfil, Munkar, and Nakir. Some are known by duty, such as the Angel of Death, recording angels, guardian angels, and the bearers of the Throne.

The safest answer is simple: there are countless angels, but only some names and duties are known to us. Learn what Allah and His Messenger taught, and leave the unseen details where they belong.

Frequently Asked Questions