In Islam, the idea of “fallen angels” does not exist. Angels and demons are two different types of beings. Because angels were created only to obey and worship God, they are unable to sin or rebel. Therefore, the Devil is not considered a fallen angel.
Does Islam Believe in Fallen Angels?
No, the idea of “fallen angels” does not exist in Islam since it contradicts the Islamic belief on the nature of creation and the function of both angels and demons, which are two different types of beings.
God Almighty created demons before Adam. They were made from fire, while the angels were created from light.
We will be based on three main ideas in our refutation: the Divine creation of demons and angels, the difference between demons and angels, and the nature of angels and demons.
Islamic belief on angels and demons contradicts the fallen angels theory
Islam believes in angels and demons as different creatures.
They are not the same. Jinn, who have free will unlike angels, can be divided into good and evil. The good jinns are the Muslims, while the evil jinns are referred to as demons, who are the devil’s soldiers. Some of them chose to worship God, while others chose to rebel.
However, angels have no desires or free will, as they are relentlessly obedient. God Almighty describes them, saying:
“… they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”
Also, angels are made of light. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
“Angels were created from light…”
[Sahih Muslim].
The Concept of Fallen Angels is not originally biblical and contradicts the purity of angels
The idea of fallen angels was not mentioned explicitly in the Bible, but it is just a traditional notion accepted as being true.
“When angels go bad they are worse than anyone else. Remember Lucifer used to be an angel.”
― Neil Gaiman, Neverwhere
Some beliefs claim that a high-ranking angel named Lucifer rebelled against God and disobeyed His Command.
Following this rebellion, Lucifer was cast out of heaven, leading an army of rebellious angels down to Earth.
These ideas assume that those angels turned bad after being created! This means that the angels become demons after choosing evil and abandoning good!
Angels have wings in Islamic belief, but under divine authority and total submission to God
Angels in Islam have wings and high power but under total submission to Almighty God. Almighty God affirms the existence of wings for His angels, saying:
“All praise is for Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who made angels ˹as His˺ messengers with wings—two, three, or four.”
Descending of Harout and Marout angels to Earth was a divine test, not rebellious
According to the Quran (2:102), angels Harut and Marut were sent to Babylon during Prophet Solomon’s time to teach sorcery as a divine test. They warned the people that they were a trial and cautioned them against falling into disbelief.
This Islamic narration goes with the belief of God’s Power over His creation and the purity of angels.
To learn more about the angels in Islam, I invite you to read this interesting article: Concept of Angels in Islam.
Conclusion
Do you pity the devil because he is a fallen angel without having any explicit, authentic evidence and sound reasoning?
Islam definitively rejects the concept of fallen angels, clarifying that Angels are sinless beings of light, while the Devil is a Jinn created from fire. Here, we explored the Quranic evidence that distinguishes these creatures and understand why Angels cannot rebel against God in Islamic theology.
For more information about the concept of unseen creatures in Islam and other beliefs, subscribe to the Explore Islam blog and start a fruitful discussion with our team right now!
