What Are Angels Created From?

Angels are created from light (Nur). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you.” (Sahih Muslim). Unlike humans and jinn, angels are a unique creation of Allah who always obey His commands and never disobey Him.

Detailed Explanation

Belief in angels is one of the six pillars of Iman (faith) in Islam. Although humans cannot see them in their original form, angels are real creations of Allah who carry out numerous responsibilities in the universe. Understanding what they are created from helps Muslims appreciate their unique nature and their role in Allah’s creation.

Angels Were Created from Light

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) clearly explained the origin of angels in an authentic Hadith.

He said:

“The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This authentic narration establishes that angels are created from Nur (light). However, the exact nature of this light has not been explained in the Quran or authentic Sunnah. Muslims therefore affirm what has been revealed without speculating beyond it.

How Angels Differ from Humans and Jinn

Allah created different creations from different substances.

• Angels were created from light.
• Jinn were created from smokeless fire.
• Human beings were created from clay, beginning with Prophet Adam (AS).

Each creation has its own nature, purpose, and responsibilities according to Allah’s wisdom.

Physical Characteristics of Angels

Although angels are created from light, authentic Islamic texts describe several of their characteristics.

• They possess wings, as mentioned in the Quran.
• The number of wings varies according to Allah’s will. Some have two, three, or four wings, while others have many more. Jibreel (AS), for example, was seen by the Prophet (ﷺ) with 600 wings in an authentic Hadith.
• They can appear in human form by Allah’s permission. Jibreel (AS) appeared as a man on several occasions, including the famous Hadith of Jibreel.
• They are extremely powerful and carry out Allah’s commands perfectly.
• They do not become tired or neglect their duties.

Are Angels Male or Female?

No. The Quran rejects the claim that angels are female. Allah criticizes those who made such assumptions without knowledge.

Islam teaches that angels are honored servants of Allah. Authentic Islamic texts do not describe them as male or female in the human sense.

Do Angels Eat, Drink, or Sleep?

Authentic Islamic sources indicate that angels are unlike humans.

• They do not eat or drink.
• They do not require food for survival.
• They continuously worship Allah and carry out His commands without disobedience.
• They are not described in authentic texts as living physical lives similar to human beings.

Why Did Allah Create Angels?

Allah created angels to perform countless responsibilities throughout creation.

Some of their major duties include:

• Delivering revelation to the prophets (Jibreel AS).
• Recording the deeds of every person.
• Protecting people by Allah’s command.
• Taking the souls of people at the appointed time.
• Carrying Allah’s Throne.
• Guarding Paradise and Hell.
• Glorifying and worshipping Allah continuously.
• Praying for believing servants under certain circumstances.

Will Angels Die?

Yes. Like every created being, angels are creations of Allah and are not eternal.

The Quran establishes the general principle:

“Everyone upon the earth will perish. And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.”
(Surah Ar-Rahman 55:26–27)

Allah alone is Ever-Living and never dies. The exact sequence and timing of the death of the angels are matters of the unseen (Ghayb). Muslims affirm only what has been authentically revealed and avoid making claims that are not established by reliable evidence.

Key Facts About Angels

• Created from light (Nur).
• Completely obedient to Allah.
• Never commit sins.
• Possess wings.
• Can appear in human form by Allah’s permission.
• Do not eat or drink.
• Perform countless duties assigned by Allah.
• Will ultimately die when Allah wills, because only Allah is eternal.

Evidence from the Quran

Surah Fatir (35:1)

Allah says:

“All praise is due to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, who made the angels messengers having wings, two, three, and four…”

Lessons:

• Angels are Allah’s creation.
• They possess wings.
• They serve as Allah’s obedient messengers.

Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)

Allah says:

“…They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, but do what they are commanded.”

Lessons:

• Angels never disobey Allah.
• They perfectly fulfill every command.

Evidence from Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you.”

Reference: Sahih Muslim

Another authentic Hadith states that the Prophet (ﷺ) saw Jibreel (AS) with 600 wings, demonstrating the greatness and power of Allah’s angels.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Angels are created from fire.

Correct Answer: No. According to Sahih Muslim, angels were created from light, while jinn were created from smokeless fire.

Misconception: Angels can disobey Allah.

Correct Answer: No. The Quran clearly states that angels never disobey Allah and always carry out His commands.

Misconception: Angels are female.

Correct Answer: No. The Quran rejects attributing femininity to angels without knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Angels are one of Allah’s most honored creations, created from light (Nur) and entrusted with countless responsibilities. They never disobey Allah, continuously worship Him, and faithfully carry out His commands. Believing in angels is an essential pillar of Islamic faith and deepens a Muslim’s understanding of Allah’s wisdom, power, and perfect system of creation.