The Role of Angel Israfil in the Day of Judgment
The Day of Judgment, known as Yawm al-Qiyamah in Islamic terminology, is the momentous event when all of humanity will stand before Allah (SWT) to account for their deeds. This day will see the resurrection of the dead, the sorting of individuals into Paradise or Hell, and the final establishment of divine justice. Among the many angels and figures involved in this event, Angel Israfil (إسرافيل) plays a pivotal role. Israfil is the angel tasked with blowing the trumpet that marks the beginning of the end of the world. His role is crucial in both the end of the current world and the commencement of the resurrection.
In this blog post, we will explore the role of Angel Israfil in the Day of Judgment, drawing on Quranic verses and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) to provide an in-depth understanding of his function in the cosmic events that will unfold.
Who is Angel Israfil?
Angel Israfil, whose name means “The Trumpeter,” is one of the four archangels in Islam. These four archangels are Jibril (Gabriel), Mikail (Michael), Azrael (Malak al-Mawt), and Israfil. Each angel has a specific, divinely appointed task. Israfil’s primary role is to blow the trumpet to signal the commencement of the Day of Judgment. His trumpet is a tool of immense power, capable of ending the world and bringing about the resurrection of the dead.
Though the Quran does not mention the name of Israfil directly in connection to the blowing of the trumpet, it provides clear indications of his role through references to the blowing of the trumpet. Hadith literature also offers further details about Israfil’s actions and his unique position among the angels.
Quranic Verses on the Blowing of the Trumpet
The Quran alludes to the blowing of the trumpet in several verses, emphasizing the power and significance of this act. While Angel Israfil is not explicitly named in the Quran, the act of the trumpet’s sound is described as a cataclysmic event signaling the end of the world.
Surah Az-Zumar (39:68):
Arabic:
وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ فَصَعِقَ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَن شَاءَ اللَّهُ ۖ ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنظُرُونَ
Translation:
“And the Horn will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will swoon, except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown a second time, and at once they will be standing, looking on.”
This verse describes the event of the trumpet being blown, causing all creatures in the heavens and earth to fall unconscious. The second blow of the trumpet will then cause the resurrection, when all beings will rise from their graves and stand before Allah.
Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:6-9):
Arabic:
يَقُولُ الْإِنسَانُ يَوْمَئِذٍ أَيْنَ الْمَفَرُّ ٧ كَلَّا لَا وَزَرَ ٨ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ يَوْمَئِذٍ الْمُسْتَقَرُّ ٩
Translation:
“On that Day, the human being will say: ‘Where is the escape?’ No! There is no refuge. To your Lord, that Day is the place of rest.”
These verses speak about the confusion and desperation of humankind on the Day of Judgment, when the consequences of their deeds will unfold. The Day of Judgment begins after the second blowing of the trumpet, and it is a day when all will be gathered before Allah.
Surah An-Naba (78:18):
Arabic:
وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ فَإِذَا هُمْ مِنَ الْأَجْدَاثِ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَنسِلُونَ
Translation:
“And the Horn will be blown, and at once from the graves to their Lord they will hasten.”
This verse underscores the role of the trumpet in the resurrection process. After Israfil blows the trumpet, the dead will rise from their graves and hasten toward their Lord for judgment.
These verses indicate that the blowing of the trumpet is a profound and world-altering event, marking the end of the world and the beginning of the resurrection.
The Role of Angel Israfil
While the Quran provides an outline of the events surrounding the Day of Judgment, the Hadith literature gives more insight into the specific role of Angel Israfil.
Israfil’s Preparation and the Blowing of the Trumpet
Angel Israfil is described as being in a state of readiness to blow the trumpet whenever Allah commands. In one hadith, it is said that Israfil’s trumpet is already in his mouth, and he is looking at the Throne of Allah, waiting for the command to blow.
Hadith:
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “كيف أنعم، والصُّورُ قد حُقَّ؟!” قالوا: “يا رسول الله، وما الصُّورُ؟” قال: “قرنٌ يُنفَخُ فيه.”
Translation:
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “How can I be at ease, when the Horn has already been blown?!” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is the Horn?” He replied: “It is the trumpet in which a blast is sounded.”
This hadith indicates that Israfil is in constant preparation, and his responsibility is to blow the trumpet at the moment decreed by Allah.
The Sound of the Trumpet
The blowing of the trumpet is a terrifying and awe-inspiring event. It is described as causing a state of shock, fear, and devastation among those who hear it. The first blast of the trumpet will result in the death of all living beings, except those whom Allah wills to be spared. The second blast will cause the resurrection.
Hadith:
عن عبد الله بن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إن أول ما يُنفَخُ في الصور، يُصَعَقُ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ، إِلَّا مَن شَاءَ اللَّهُ، ثُمَّ يُنفَخُ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنظُرُونَ”
Translation:
Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The first blow of the trumpet will cause all those in the heavens and on the earth to fall unconscious, except whom Allah wills. Then the second blow will cause them to rise, and they will stand looking.”
This hadith further emphasizes the catastrophic nature of Israfil’s trumpet and the awe-inspiring nature of the events that follow it.
The Waiting Period of Israfil
A unique aspect of Israfil’s role is that he has been in a state of waiting for the divine command to blow the trumpet. After the first blow, the world will be destroyed, and Israfil will await Allah’s command to initiate the second blow, which will resurrect all creatures.
Hadith:
عن علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه قال: “إنَّ إسرافيلَ عليه السلامُ واضعٌ فِيهِ فِي صُورِهِ وهو ينظرُ إلى عرشِ اللهِ، لا يَرْفَعُ عَيْنَيْهِ حَتَّى يُؤْمَرَ.”
Translation:
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) said: “Israfil (AS) has placed his lips upon the trumpet and is looking at the Throne of Allah, not raising his eyes until he is commanded.”
This hadith highlights Israfil’s immense obedience and readiness. He is in a state of vigilance, waiting for the command from Allah, indicating his crucial role in the divine plan for the Day of Judgment.
The Importance of Israfil’s Role
The role of Angel Israfil in the Day of Judgment is monumental. The first blow of the trumpet will mark the end of life as we know it. All living beings, except those whom Allah wills to be spared, will die. After the period of death, the second blow will bring forth the resurrection, and all beings will be resurrected to stand before Allah for judgment.
The Destruction of the Universe
The first blow of the trumpet signifies the end of the entire universe. It is described in Islamic tradition that the earth will quake, the skies will break apart, and all living beings will fall unconscious. Only Allah’s mercy will allow some beings to survive.
The Resurrection
The second blow of the trumpet will bring about the resurrection. The dead will rise from their graves, and they will gather before Allah for judgment. It is through Israfil’s trumpet that the resurrection and the final reckoning will take place.
Conclusion
Angel Israfil plays a pivotal and unparalleled role in the events surrounding the Day of Judgment. His duty to blow the trumpet signifies the commencement of the end of the world and the beginning of the resurrection. With the first blow, all life ceases, and with the second, all are resurrected for the final judgment. Israfil’s obedience to Allah’s command and his readiness to carry out the divine will are essential components of the cosmic order in Islam.
The Quran and Hadith provide a vivid picture of the cataclysmic nature of the trumpet’s sound and the role of Israfil in bringing about the final reckoning. The anticipation of this momentous event should remind Muslims of the transience of life and the importance of preparing for the Day of Judgment through righteous deeds and adherence to Allah’s commands.
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