Angels in Islam

Angels are a basic tenet of belief in Islam appearing in various types and genres of text from eschatology to law and theology to devotional material. This book presents the first comprehensive study of angels in Islam through an analysis of a collection of traditions (hadÄth) compiled by the 15th century polymath JalÄl al-DÄn al-SuyÅtÄ (d. 911/1505). With a focus on the principal angels in Islam the author provides an analysis and critical translation of hadith included in al-Suyutiâs al-Habaâik fi akhbar al-malaâik (âThe Arrangement of the Traditions about Angelsâ) â many of which are translated into English for the first time. The book discusses the issues that the hadÄth raise exploring why angels are named in particular ways; how angels are described and portrayed in the hadÄth; the ways in which angels interact with humans; and the theological controversies which feature angels. From this it is possible to place al-SuyÅtÄâs collection in its religious and historical milieu building on the study of angels in Judaism and Christianity to explore aspects of comparative religious beliefs about angels as well as relating Muslim beliefs about angels to wider debates in Islamic Studies. Broadening the study of Islamic angelology and providing a significant amount of newly translated primary source material this book will be of great interest to scholars of Islam divinity and comparative religion. . Language: English