Summary of Aqida - 2. Attributes of the angels

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2. Attributes of the angels

2.1. Physical characteristics
2.1.1. The substance from which they are created
i. The substance from which the angels are created is light:
It was narrated from ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire and Adam was created from that which has been described to you.” [42] Narrated by Muslim, 2996.
ii. When they were created
Allah knows best when they were created, but it was definitely before the creation of Adam (peace be upon him), based on the fact that Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And mention, O Muhammad, when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.” (al-Baqarah 2:30)
iii. Seeing the angels in their true form
None of this ummah has ever seen the angels in their true form except the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). He saw Jibril (peace be upon him) twice in the form in which Allah created him. These two sightings are mentioned in the verses in which Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And he has already seen Jibril in the clear horizon." (al-Takwir 81:23)
"And he certainly saw him in another descent, At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary;
Near it is the Garden of Refuge." (al-Najm 53:13-15) – that was when he was taken up to the heavens (the Mi‘raj).
‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) about these two verses, and he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “That is Jibril. I did not see him in his real form in which he was created except on these two occasions. I saw him coming down from heaven, the greatness of his form filling the space between heaven and earth.” [43] A similar report was narrated by al-Bukhari, 3234; this version was narrated by Muslim, 177.

2.1.2. The wings of the angels:
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "All praise is due to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, who made the angels messengers having wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent." (Fatir 35:1) Ibn Kathir said, “Who made the angels messengers that is, between Him and His Prophets. having wings that is, with which they fly to convey that which they have been commanded to convey quickly. two or three or four that is, some of them have two wings, some have three wings, some have four wings, and some have more than that.” [44] See: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 6/532.

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) saw Jibril with six hundred wings. [45] Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4857; and Muslim, 174.

2.1.3. Are the angels beautiful?
It is well established in people’s minds that the angels are beautiful, as Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, tells us about the women, when they saw Yusuf (peace be upon him) (interpretation of the meaning), "And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands and said, “Perfect is Allah! This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel.” (Yusuf 12:31) Al-Zamakhshari said, “The women said that he could not possibly be human because his beauty was extraordinary and greatly surpassed ordinary human beauty; they affirmed that he must be an angel, and they were definite about their conclusion. That is because Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, has instilled in human nature the belief that there is nothing more beautiful than an angel, just as He has instilled in them the belief that there is nothing uglier than a devil. Therefore anyone who is very beautiful or very ugly is likened by people to an angel or a devil, respectively.” [46] See: Tafsir al-Zamakhshari, 2/466.

And Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says regarding Jibril (peace be upon him) (interpretation of the meaning), "Taught to him the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) by one intense in strength, One of soundness. And he rose to his true form." (al-Najm 53:5-6) Ibn al-Qayyim said, “What is most likely to be correct is that what is referred to by soundness is good health and being free of problems and defects, both physical and mental. That must mean that his physical creation is perfect and beautiful, because health problems and defects are indicative of a weak physical makeup. Soundness means strength and good health, which includes beauty. And Allah knows best.” [47] See: Ighathat al-Lahfan, 2/129.

But it is also proven that some of the angels have an ugly appearance, including the following:
i. Malik the keeper of Hell:
It was narrated from Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said in the hadith of the Mi‘raj (ascent to heaven), “… Then we moved on and came to a man with a repulsive appearance, the most repulsive appearance you ever saw a man have. Beside him there was a fire, which he was kindling and walking around it. I said to them my two companions: What is this? They said to me: Move on, move on.… They said to me… As for the man with the repulsive appearance who was beside the fire, kindling it and walking around it, he is Malik, the keeper of Hell.” [48] Narrated by al-Bukhari (7047) in a lengthy hadith.

Ibn Rajab said, “Malik is the keeper of Hell; he is the chief and leader of its keepers. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) saw him on the night of the Isra’ (Night Journey). His appearance is repulsive, meaning that his look is ugly, like the most repulsive-looking man you could ever see.” [49] See: al-Takhwif min al-Nar, p. 221.

Ibn Hajar said, “The phrase ‘the most repulsive appearance you ever saw a man have’ means that his appearance is ugly. The reason why the keeper of Hell has a repulsive appearance is that this will increase the torment of the people of Hell.” [50] See: Fath al-Bari, 12/442-445.

ii. The punishing angels of Hell (zabaniyah):
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are appointed angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded." (al-Tahrim 66:6)

Ibn Kathir said, “Severe that is, their physical make-up is very strong, with a large frame and frightening appearance.… These are the punishing angels of Hell – we seek refuge with Allah from them.” [51] See: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 8/168.

iii. Munkar and Nakir:
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said. "The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, 'When the deceased – or one of you – is buried, there come to him two black, blue-eyed angels, one of whom is called al-Munkar and the other al-Nakir.'" [52] Narrated in a lengthy hadith by at-Tirmidhi, 1071; al-Bazzar, 8462; and Ibn Hibban, 3117. It was classed as sahih by Ibn Hibban, and by Ibn Qutaybah in Ta’wil Mukhtalif al-Hadith, 294; classed as hasan by al-Albani in Sahih Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 1071; and by Shu‘ayb al-Arna’ut in Takhrij Sharh al-Sunnah, 5/416. Al-Tirmidhi said: It is hasan gharib.

Ibn al-‘Arabi said, “Anyone who sees them will be afraid of them, because of their frightening and ugly appearance, their harsh speech, and the rods of iron that they will have in the hands.” [53] See: ‘Aridah al-Ahwadhi, 4/292.

iv. The angels who bring forth the soul of the disbeliever:
It was narrated from al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said in the hadith about the bringing forth of the soul and the grave, “… When the time comes for the disbeliever to depart this world and move to the hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with dark faces…” [54] Narrated in a lengthy hadith by Abu Dawud, 7453; and by Ahmad, 18543. Classed as sahih by al-Qurtubi in al-Tadhkirah, 119; Ibn al-Qayyim in al-Ruh, 1/269; al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud, 4753. Classed as hasan by al-Mundhiri in at-Targhib wa’l-Tarhib, 4/280; Ibn Taymiyah in Majmu‘ al-Fatawa, 4/290; al-Wadi‘i in al-Sahih al-Musnad, 150.

‘Ali al-Qari said, "There come down to him from heaven angels’ that is, angels of punishment; ‘with dark faces’ to reflect anger that is commensurate with his evil deeds." [55] See: Mirqat al-Mafatih, 3/1179.

2.1.4. The angels’ ability to take on different forms:
Allah has given the angels the ability to take on different forms. Abu’l-‘Abbas al-Qurtubi said, “Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, has enabled the angels and the jinn to change into different forms and take on different shapes, although each of the two categories has their own specific, original form with which Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, has created them.” [56] See: al-Mufhim, 6/172.

Allah sent Jibril to Maryam in human form:
He Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And mention, O Muhammad, in the Book the story of Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east, And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he appeared before her in the form of a perfect human being. She said, “Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, so leave me, if you should be fearing of Allah.” He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you news of a pure boy.” (Maryam 19:16-19)

Ibn Kathir said, “Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, sent to her Jibril (peace be upon him), he appeared before her in the form of a perfect human being that is, in a real sense.” [57] See: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 5/219.

The angels also came to Ibrahim (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in human form, and he did not realize that they were angels until they disclosed to him what they really were.

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, said (interpretation of the meaning), "And certainly did Our messengers come to Ibrahim with good tidings; they said, “Peace.” He said, “Peace,” and did not delay in bringing them a roasted calf. But when he saw their hands not reaching for it, he had misgivings about them and conceived a fear of them. They said, “Fear not. We have been sent to the people of Lut.” (Hud 11:69-70)

The angels also came in human form to Lut (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): "And when Our messengers, the angels, came to Lot, he was anguished for them and felt for them great discomfort and said, “This is a trying day” (Hud 11:77)

A number of the Sahabah saw Jibril when he came in the form of a man. It was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Whilst we were with the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) one day, a man came to us whose garment was exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black, and there were no signs of travel on him, and none of us knew who he was. He came and sat before the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), resting his knees against his and placing his hands on his thighs. He said: ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’”

In the hadith, it says that he asked him about Islam, faith (iman), ihsan, and the Hour and its signs. Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told his companions later on that the one who asked these questions was Jibril, who came to teach them their religion. [58] Narrated by Muslim, 8, from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (MR).

2.1.5. The angels cannot be described as being male or female
The polytheist Arabs were misguided when they claimed that the angels were female and that they were the daughters of Allah. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And they have made the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned." (al-Zukhruf 43:19)

Ibn Kathir said, “Here Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, tells us that they regarded the angels, who are the slaves of the Most Gracious, as being female, and they regarded them as the daughters of Allah and worshipped them alongside Him. Thus they committed a grievous error.” [59] See: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 4/577.

Ibn Hajar said, “The angels are neither male nor female.” [60] See: Fath al-Bari, 8/298.

2.1.6. The angels do not drink, sleep, or get married:
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "Has there reached you the story of the honored guests of Ibrahim? When they entered upon him and said, “We greet you with peace.” He answered, “And upon you peace, you are a people unknown.” Then he went to his family and came with a fat roasted calf. And placed it near them; he said, “Will you not eat?” And he conceived a fear of them. They said, “Fear not,” and gave him good tidings of a learned boy." (al-Dhariyat 51:24-28)

And Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And certainly did Our messengers come to Ibrahim with good tidings; they said, “Peace.” He said, “Peace,” and did not delay in bringing them a roasted calf. But when he saw their hands not reaching for it, he had misgivings about them and conceived a fear of them. They said, “Fear not. We have been sent to the people of Lut.” (Hud 11:69-70)

Al-Razi said: “The scholars are unanimously agreed that the angels do not eat or drink or get married; they glorify Allah night and day, and do not grow weary.” [61] See: Tafsir al-Razi, 1/85.

2.1.7. The angels do not tire or grow weary
The angels worship and obey Allah without ceasing and without tiring; they do not grow weary as humans do. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says of them (interpretation of the meaning), "Then those who are near your Lord exalt Him by night and by day, and they do not become weary." (Fussilat 41:38) Ibn Jarir said: “and they do not become weary means that they do not tire of their worship and they do not cease praying to Him.” [62] See: Tafsir Ibn Jarir, 20/437.

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "They exalt Him night and day and do not slacken." (al-Anbiya’ 21:20) Al-Suyuti said, “The apparent meaning of the verse They exalt Him night and day and do not slacken al-Anbiya’ 21:20 is that they do not sleep.” [63] See: al-Haba’ik fi Akhbar al-Mala’ik, p. 264.

2.1.8. The stations of the angels
The stations and dwellings of the angels are in heaven. It was narrated from ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), that she heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say, “The angels come down in the clouds and mention the matter that has been decreed in heaven. The devils eavesdrop on what they say, then they inspire it to the soothsayers, who then add one hundred lies of their own to it.” [64] Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3210; Muslim narrated a similar report, 2228.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “When one of you says Amin and the angels in heaven say Amin, and the former coincides with the latter, he will be forgiven his previous sins.” [65] Narrated by al-Bukhari, 781; and Muslim, 410.

Ibn Hajar said, “The angels are subtle bodies which have been given the ability to take on different forms, and their abodes are the heavens.” [66] See: Fath al-Bari, 6/306.

2.1.9. The number of the angels
There are a vast number of angels, and no one knows how many there are except Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him." (al-Muddaththir 74:31) Ibn Jarir said, “And none knows the soldiers of your Lord because they are so many except Him meaning Allah.” [67] See: Tafsir Ibn Jarir, 23/440.

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) asked Jibril (peace be upon him) about the Mush-Frequented House (al-bayt al-ma‘mur), and he said, “This is the Much-Frequented House. Every day seventy thousand angels enter it and when they leave, they never return to it.” [68] Narrated in a lengthy hadith by al-Bukhari (3207) and Muslim (162) from Malik ibn Sa ‘sa ‘ah (MR).

Al-Nawawi said, “This is the greatest evidence of the large number of the angels (peace be upon them). And Allah knows best.” [69] See: Sharh Muslim, 2/225.

2.1.10. The death of the angels
Part of the creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama ‘ah is that Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, has decreed death for all living beings, and He alone will abide forever. Based on that, they believe that it is possible for the angels (peace be upon them) to die, and Allah is able to bring that about.

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "Everyone upon the earth will perish. And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor." (ar-Rahman 55:26-27) Ibn Kathir said, “Here Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, tells us that all the inhabitants of the earth will depart this realm and die, as will the inhabitants of the heavens, except whomever Allah wills, and nothing will remain except His noble Countenance, for the Lord Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, will never die; rather He is the Ever-Living Who will never die.” [70] See: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 7/494.

Ibn Taymiyah said, “The view of most scholars is that all creatures will die, even the angels, and the Muslims, the Jews and the Christians are agreed that this is possible and that Allah is able to make it happen.” [71] See: Majmu‘ al-Fatawa, 4/259.

2.2. The attributes and attitude of the angels
2.2.1. The angels’ true servitude to and fear of Allah
The angels are slaves of Allah who are subject to His Lordship, and they have none of the attributes of lordship or divinity at all. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And they say, “The Most Merciful has taken a son.” Exalted is He! Rather, they are but honored servants. They do not speak until He has spoken, and they only do as He commands. He knows what is presently before them and what will be after them, and they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves. And they are filled with reverent awe of Him. And whoever of them should say, “Indeed, I am a god besides Him” - that one We would recompense with Hell. Thus do We recompense the wrongdoers." (al-Anbiya’ 21:26-29) Ibn Kathir said, “The angels are slaves of Allah who are honoured by Him and are in lofty stations, and they obey Him completely in word and deed… They never initiate anything unless He commands them to do it, and they do not go against what He commands; rather they hasten to do it.” [72] See: Tafseer Ibn Kathir, 5/338.

Thus the angels are inherently obedient to Allah and they have no ability to disobey Him. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says concerning them (interpretation of the meaning), "They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded." (al-Tahrim 66:6)

Examples of the angels’ worship
i. Tasbih (glorifying and exalting Allah)
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And mention, O Muhammad, when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.” They said, “Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?” (al-Baqarah 2:30) They glorify and exalt Allah constantly, and never cease. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "They exalt Him night and day and do not slacken." (al-Anbiya’ 21:20) It was narrated that Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was asked: Which words are best? He said: “That which Allah has chosen for His angels or for His slaves: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Glory and praise be to Allah).” [73] Narrated by Muslim, 2731.

ii. Forming rows for prayer
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, tells us that the angels said, "And indeed, we are those who stand lined up in rows." (al-Saffat 37:165) Al-Sam‘ani said, “Allah’s words And indeed, we are those who stand lined up in rows mean: those who form rows in heaven for worship.” [74] See: Tafsir al-Sam‘ani, 4/420.

Al-Shinqiti said, “What is meant by them standing lined up in rows is that they stand in compact rows, side-by-side, to worship Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, in prayer and otherwise.” [75] See: Adwa’ al-Bayan, 6/301.

It was narrated from Jabir ibn Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “Why do you not make your rows as the angels make their rows in the presence of their Lord?” We said: O Messenger of Allah, how do the angels make their rows in the presence of their Lord? He said: “They complete the first rows and they make the rows compact.” [76] Narrated by Muslim, 430, in a lengthy hadith.

iii. Circumambulation of the Much-Frequented House in heaven
Allah swore an oath by the Much-Frequented House, as He says (interpretation of the meaning), "And by the Much-Frequented House." (al-Tur 52:4) It was narrated from Malik ibn Sa‘sa‘ah (may Allah be pleased with him), in the story of the Isra’ (Night Journey), that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “Then the Much-Frequented House (al-bayt al-ma‘mur) was raised up for me, and I said: ‘O Jibreel, what is this?’ He said: ‘This is the Much-Frequented House. Every day seventy thousand angels enter it and when they depart from it, they never return to it.” [77] Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3207; and Muslim, 164.

It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said in the story of the Isra’, “Then it was opened for us, and there was Ibrahim, leaning with his back against the Much-Frequented House (al-bayt al-ma‘moor); every day seventy thousand angels enter it and they never return to it.” [78] Narrated by Muslim, 162, in a lengthy hadith.

Al-Sam‘ani said, “The well-known scholarly view is that it is a House in heaven. This was stated by Ibn ‘Abbas and most of the commentators.” [79] See: Tafsir al-Sam‘ani, 5/267; al-Wahidi: al-Basit, 20/477.

Abu’l-‘Abbas al-Qurtubi said, “The Much-Frequented House is so called because it is frequented by the angels who enter it and worship there.” [80] See: al-Mufhim, 1/389.

iv. The angels’ fear and awe of Allah
The angels fear Allah and are in awe of Him, for they know Allah and venerate Him. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says of them (interpretation of the meaning), "They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded." (al-Nahl 16:50) And He says concerning them (interpretation of the meaning), "And they are filled with reverent awe of Him." (al-Anbiya’ 21:28)

2.2.2. The angels are honourable and dutiful
Allah describes the angels as honourable and dutiful. He Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "Carried by the hands of emissaries
Honourable and dutiful." (‘Abasa 80:15-16) Ibn Kathir said, “Ibn Jarir said, 'The correct view is that the emissaries are the angels; they are emissaries between Allah and His creation… The words honourable and dutiful mean that their physical appearance is dignified, good and noble, and their conduct and actions are righteous, pure and perfect.'" [81] See: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 8/321.

It was narrated that ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, 'The one who learns the Qur’an and recites it by heart will be with the honourable emissaries, and the one who recites the Qur’an regularly, trying not to forget it, although he finds it difficult, will have a double reward.'" [82] Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4937; Muslim, 798.

2.2.3. The shyness of the angels
It was narrated from ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said regarding ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), “Should I not feel shy before a man before whom the angels feel shy?” [83] Narrated by Muslim, 2401.

2.2.4. The knowledge of the angels
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, said (interpretation of the meaning), "And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, “Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.” They said, “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.” (al-Baqarah 2:31-32) Allah has granted to some of the angels knowledge that they need in order to do the tasks they are appointed to do, such as the knowledge of the noble angelic scribes of the deeds of the children of Adam. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And indeed, appointed over you are keepers, Noble and recording. They know whatever you do." (al-Infitar 82:10-12)

Another example is the knowledge of the Angel of Death about whose appointed time has come among people. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "Say O Muhammad: The Angel of Death, who has been given charge of you, will take your souls in death." (al-Sajdah 32:11)

And Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says of the revelation of the Qur’an to His slave and Messenger Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) (interpretation of the meaning), "It is not but a revelation revealed, Taught to him by one intense in strength." (al-Najm 53:4-5) Ibn Jarir said, “Here Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, tells us that Jibril (peace be upon him) taught this Qur’an to Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).” [84] See: Tafsir Ibn Jarir, 22/8.

2.2.5. The angels have the ability to speak
Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "And mention, O Muhammad, when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.” They said, “Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?” Allah said, “Indeed, I know that which you do not know.” And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, “Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.” They said, “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise." (al-Baqarah 2:30-32) The angels (peace be upon them) speak to one another, as is mentioned in the verse (interpretation of the meaning), "They will wait in fear and trepidation for that permission to be granted until, when the fear has been lifted from their hearts, they will say: What did your Lord say? The higher-ranking angels will say: The truth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great." (Saba’ 34:23) Ibn ‘Uthaymin said, discussing what may be learned from this verse: “It affirms that the angels speak, understand and reason, because they ask, “What has your Lord said?” And they reply, “The truth.” It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “When Allah decrees a matter in heaven, the angels strike their wings in obedience to His command, as if what is heard is like the sound of a chain being dragged across a rock and they understand what has been decreed. Then when the fear has been lifted from their hearts, they will say: What did your Lord say? The higher-ranking angels will say: The truth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great Saba’ 34:23.” [85] Narrated by al-Bukhari, 7481.

2.2.6. The angels are organized in all their affairs
They are organized in their worship: It was narrated from Jabir ibn Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said, "Why do you not make your rows as the angels make their rows in the presence of their Lord?” We said: O Messenger of Allah, how do the angels make their rows in the presence of their Lord? He said: “They complete the first rows and they make the rows compact.” [86] Narrated by Muslim, 430.

On the Day of Resurrection, they will come in rows, one after another. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says, "And your Lord comes with the angels, row after row." (al-Fajr 89:22) Ibn ‘Ashur said, “The commentators are agreed that what is meant by this repetition is a specific order and specific categorization. In other words, they will come row after row, or row behind row, or in specific, exclusive categories of angels.” [87] See: Tafsir Ibn ‘Ashur, 30/337.

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning), "The Day that the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows, they will not speak except for one whom the Most Merciful permits, and he will say what is." (al-Naba’ 78:38) They are very precise in the manner in which they carry out the commands of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted: It was narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, said, “I will come to the gate of Paradise and will ask for it to be opened. The keeper will say: ‘Who are you?’ I will say, ‘Muhammad.’ He will say: ‘I was commanded not to open it for anyone before you.’” [88] Narrated by Muslim, 197.