What is the name of the Angel of Death in Islam?

The Quran refers to the Angel of Death as 'Malak al-Mawt' (Angel of Death). The name 'Azrael' is not mentioned in the Quran or authentic hadith, and many scholars believe it originates from Judeo-Christian traditions (Isra'iliyyat).

Is Azrael mentioned in the Quran?

No, the name Azrael is not mentioned in the Quran. The Quran uses the term 'Malak al-Mawt' (Angel of Death) in Surah As-Sajdah (32:11) to refer to the angel responsible for taking souls.

What is the role of the Angel of Death in Islam?

The Angel of Death, or Malak al-Mawt, is a powerful angel commanded by God to separate the souls from the bodies of all living beings at their appointed time of death. He does not act independently but only by God's will.

Azrael (Angel of Death) in Islam | Quranic and Scholarly Perspectives

Azrael

عزرائيل

Azrael (عزرائيل) is the name of the Angel of death, according to general Islamic belief, although the name Azrael is not mentioned explicitly in the Quran.

Explore Verses Related to Azrael

🕋As-Sajdah32:11

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the Angel of Death is a specific angel mentioned in the Quran by the title 'Malak al-Mawt'. The widely known name 'Azrael' is not found in the Quran or in authentic hadith, with many scholars, including Ibn Kathir and Al-Albani, suggesting its origins in Judeo-Christian traditions (Isra'iliyyat). The primary Quranic reference, Surah As-Sajdah (32:11), establishes the role of this angel as being divinely appointed to take the souls of all beings at their predetermined time. Classical exegetes like Al-Tabari and Al-Qurtubi explain that Malak al-Mawt is a single, powerful entity with assistants who carry out his duties. Islamic tradition further describes the experience of the soul's departure as differing for believers and disbelievers, with the former being a gentle process and the latter a harsh one. Thus, while the name 'Azrael' is a common cultural identifier, the authentic Islamic understanding is rooted in the Quranic designation of 'Malak al-Mawt', a mighty angel acting solely on the command of God.

📖 Quranic Context

The concept of an angel of death is a central theme in Islamic eschatology, though not by the name Azrael.

An angel of God who acts solely on His command to take souls at their appointed time.

References: The name 'Azrael' is not mentioned in the Quran. The Angel of Death is referred to as 'Malak al-Mawt' in Quran 32:11.

💭 Theological Perspective

Represents the certainty of death and the transition from the earthly life to the afterlife.

The reality of the Angel of Death serves as a reminder of one's mortality and the importance of preparing for the hereafter.

The Angel of Death's role is a manifestation of God's absolute sovereignty over life and death.

Awareness of the Angel of Death can foster humility, repentance, and a focus on righteous deeds.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad spoke of the Angel of Death ('Malak al-Mawt') and the process of dying for believers and disbelievers.

The story of the Angel of Death's visit to the Prophet Moses.
Descriptions of how the souls of the righteous and the wicked are taken.

There is a consensus that the name 'Azrael' is not found in authentic, traceable (marfu') hadith. Its mention is primarily in later narrations and Isra'iliyyat.

💎 Deeper Insights

The scholarly consensus on the non-Quranic origin of the name 'Azrael' is a powerful example of the rigorous methodology of Islamic scholarship in preserving the authenticity of its sources.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Albani, Ibn 'Uthaymeen

The Quran's use of the functional title 'Malak al-Mawt' (Angel of Death) emphasizes the angel's role and complete subservience to God's command, rather than a personal identity.

— Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi