Who are the angels that carry Allah's Throne?

They are a group of mighty angels known as Hamalat al-Arsh. According to Islamic tradition, four angels carry the Throne now, and on the Day of Judgment, this number will increase to eight as a sign of the day's immense gravity, as stated in Quran 69:17.

How many angels will carry the Throne on Judgment Day?

The Quran specifies in Surah Al-Haqqah, verse 17, that eight will carry the Throne of Allah on the Day of Judgment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this is an increase from the four who carry it currently, signifying the tremendous nature of that Day.

What does 'eight' mean in the context of the Throne-bearers?

Classical scholars have offered several interpretations. Ibn Abbas suggested it means eight rows or ranks of angels, the number of which only Allah knows. Others, like Ibn Zayd, stated it means eight individual angels. The consensus is to affirm the number eight as stated in the Quran, while leaving the specific nature to Allah's knowledge.

The Eight Throne-Bearers of Judgment Day in Islam

eight carrying Allah’s Throne on Judgment Day

Explore Verses Related to eight carrying Allah’s Throne on Judgment Day

🕋Al-Haqqah69:17

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the 'eight carrying Allah’s Throne on Judgment Day' refers to the Hamalat al-Arsh, a group of magnificent angels tasked with bearing the Divine Throne ('Arsh). The Quran, in Surah Al-Haqqah (69:17), specifically states that on that Day, their number will be eight. Tafsir by eminent scholars such as Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari confirms this event as a literal and momentous sign of the Day's overwhelming majesty and power. Prophetic traditions further explain that the number of bearers will be increased from four in the present time to eight, amplifying the significance of the Final Hour. While scholars like Ibn Abbas have discussed whether 'eight' refers to individual angels or eight ranks of angels, the consensus is to affirm the Quranic text while acknowledging that the ultimate reality of the unseen is known only to Allah. This event symbolizes the absolute authority of Allah being made manifest to all creation.

📖 Quranic Context

A major sign of the cosmic upheaval and divine majesty on the Day of Judgment.

Demonstrates the power of Allah and the magnificent scale of His creation and the events of the Last Day.

References: The specific number of eight carriers is mentioned once in Quran 69:17.

💭 Theological Perspective

Serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability and the awe-inspiring reality of meeting Allah.

Instills a sense of awe (haybah) and reverence for the Day of Judgment, encouraging righteous conduct.

Acts as a powerful eschatological sign, reinforcing belief in the unseen (ghayb) and the afterlife.

Contemplation on this event deepens faith in Allah's power and the certainty of the Final Hour.

📜 Hadith Perspective

Hadith literature expands on the immense size and strength of the Throne-bearing angels, emphasizing their magnificence as a creation of Allah.

Descriptions of the Throne-bearers' immense size (e.g., the distance between an earlobe and shoulder being a journey of 700 years).
The increase in their number from four to eight on the Day of Resurrection.

Agreement on the literal existence of these angels, with discussion on the interpretation of the number 'eight'.

💎 Deeper Insights

The increase in the number of Throne-bearers from four to eight on Judgment Day is not because the Throne becomes heavier or Allah needs more support. Rather, search-grounded scholarly consensus explains it is to honor and magnify the gravity of that Day. It is a visible symbol for creation that the 'event' is of a magnitude far greater than anything in the current cosmic order, demonstrating Allah's increased manifestation of His majesty.

— Ibn Kathir

Synthesizing Quran 40:7 and 69:17 reveals that the Hamalat al-Arsh are not just bearers of a physical object, but are deeply connected to humanity's salvation. In this world, they carry the Throne AND pray for the forgiveness of believers. On Judgment Day, when they appear in greater number, it marks the culmination of that for which they prayed: the final sorting of the believers they interceded for. Their appearance signifies the start of the final phase of divine mercy and justice.

— Al-Qurtubi, Al-Tabari