Name the Angel who takes out souls of life bearing creatures?

The correct answer is Hazrat Izra’eel (AS).

In Islamic theology, the transition from the physical world to the spiritual realm (Barzakh) is overseen by a specific archangel. While he is widely known by the name Hazrat Izra’eel (AS) in Islamic tradition and literature, it is important to note that in the Holy Quran, he is primarily referred to as Malak al-Mawt (The Angel of Death). He is one of the four most prominent archangels in Islam, alongside Hazrat Jibra’eel (AS), Hazrat Mika’eel (AS), and Hazrat Israfeel (AS).

The Divine Appointment and Authority

Hazrat Izra’eel (AS) does not act of his own volition. His duty is strictly governed by the command of Allah (SWT). According to Islamic belief, the "Leaf of Life" for every soul is kept at the Divine Throne, and when it falls, the command is issued to the Angel of Death to retrieve that specific soul at a precise moment that can neither be delayed nor hastened by even a second. This role encompasses all life-bearing creatures, including humans, animals, and even the angels themselves, as every soul must taste death except for the Creator.

Description and Methodology

Traditional accounts and Hadith literature describe the Angel of Death as having a vast and formidable presence, suited to the gravity of his task. He is assisted by groups of subordinate angels who help in the extraction of souls. These assistants are categorized based on their specific duties:

1. 
   

   An-Nazi’at: The angels who take the souls of the disbelievers or wrongdoers with force.

   
   


2. 
   

   An-Nashitat: The angels who gently draw out the souls of the believers.

   
   

The process of taking the soul varies significantly based on the character and deeds of the individual. For a righteous person, the Angel of Death appears in a beautiful and comforting form, taking the soul as easily as water flows from a pitcher. Conversely, for those who lived in defiance of Divine law, the experience is described as much more difficult and painful.

References in the Quran and Sunnah

The Quran mentions the role of this angel in Surah As-Sajdah (32:11): "Say, 'The Angel of Death who has been entrusted with you will take your soul. Then to your Lord you will be returned.'" This verse establishes that the responsibility is a trust (amanah) given by Allah to the angel.

Unlike the portrayal of death in some other cultures as a "grim reaper" or a symbol of evil, Islam views the role of Hazrat Izra’eel (AS) as a necessary part of the natural and divine order. He is a servant of Allah performing a solemn duty that facilitates the return of the creation to its Creator.

Historical Significance in Learning

Understanding the role of Hazrat Izra’eel (AS) is a core part of Aqidah (Islamic creed). For scholars and historians, the study of the archangels provides insight into how Islam views the unseen world (Ghaib). His name, Izra’eel, though not explicitly mentioned in the Quranic text itself, is widely accepted based on Israil'iyat traditions and the consensus of many classical scholars. His presence in Islamic history serves as a constant reminder of the temporary nature of worldly existence and the inevitability of the afterlife.