The Hierarchy of Creation
Islamic theology presents a clear hierarchy: Allah, the One and Only Creator; angels (Mala'ika), beings of light created to serve and worship; prophets (Anbiya), human messengers chosen to guide humanity; and jinn, beings of smokeless fire with free will.
Allah - The One God
Allah
The One, The Eternal, The Absolute
The sole deity in Islam, possessing 99 Beautiful Names (Asma al-Husna) that describe His perfect attributes. Allah is utterly transcendent, beyond all comparison, yet closer to humanity than their jugular vein.
Domains: Absolute sovereignty, creation, mercy, justice, knowledge
The Angels (Mala'ika)
Angels are beings of pure light (nur), created from light to worship Allah and carry out His commands. They have no free will and cannot disobey. Each has a specific role in the cosmic order.
Jibreel (Gabriel)
The Angel of Revelation
The greatest of angels, responsible for delivering divine revelation to prophets. Brought the Quran to Muhammad and messages to all previous prophets.
Role: Revelation, divine messages, spiritual strength
Mikail (Michael)
The Angel of Sustenance
Controls the distribution of rain and sustenance (rizq) to all creation. Oversees natural phenomena and the provision of all living beings.
Role: Weather, sustenance, natural order
Azrael (Izrail)
The Angel of Death
Takes the souls of the dying at their appointed time. Treats righteous souls gently and removes corrupt souls with difficulty.
Role: Death, soul extraction, transition
Israfil
The Angel of the Trumpet
Will blow the trumpet (Sur) twice: once to end creation, once to resurrect all for judgment. Stands ready with the trumpet at his lips, awaiting Allah's command.
Role: Resurrection, Day of Judgment, cosmic transformation
Kiraman Katibin
The Recording Angels
Two angels assigned to every human: one on the right recording good deeds, one on the left recording sins. Their record will be presented on Judgment Day.
Role: Recording deeds, witnessing actions, accountability
The Prophets (Anbiya)
Allah sent approximately 124,000 prophets throughout history, with 25 specifically mentioned in the Quran. All prophets delivered the same core message: Tawhid (oneness of Allah) and righteous living.
Muhammad
The Seal of Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin)
The final messenger, born 570 CE in Makkah. Received the Quran over 23 years. Known as "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) even before prophethood.
Message: Final, complete revelation; universal mercy
Ibrahim (Abraham)
The Friend of Allah (Khalilullah)
Father of monotheism, submitted completely to Allah even when commanded to sacrifice his son. Built the Kaaba with Ismail. Father of Prophets.
Message: Pure monotheism, submission, sacrifice
Musa (Moses)
The Interlocutor (Kalimullah)
Spoke directly with Allah on Mount Sinai, received the Torah (Tawrat). Led the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, split the Red Sea.
Message: Liberation, divine law, direct communication
Isa (Jesus)
Born miraculously to Maryam (Mary), performed miracles by Allah's permission. Prophet, not divine. Will return before the Day of Judgment.
Message: Renewal of monotheism, miracles, future return
🔗 Related Concepts
Within Islamic Tradition
- Creation Story - How Allah created the universe
- Afterlife Journey - Role of angels in death
- Sacred Texts - Quran and Hadith
- Sufi Path - Spiritual proximity to Allah
Similar Concepts in Other Traditions
- YHWH (Jewish) - The One God
- Christian Trinity - Different conception of deity
- Metatron (Jewish) - Angelic hierarchy
- Ahura Mazda (Zoroastrian) - Monotheistic deity
Related Across the Mythos
Allah
The Absolute
99 Beautiful Names
Tawhid
Divine Oneness