What is the second belief in Iman-e-Mufassal?

The correct answer is The angels of Allah.

n the systematic structure of Islamic theology, the belief in angels (Mala’ikah) follows immediately after the belief in the Oneness of Allah. This sequence is not accidental; it represents the first step into the "Al-Ghaib" or the unseen world. In the Iman-e-Mufassal, acknowledging the existence of angels is mandatory for every Muslim, as they are the primary agents through which Allah’s commands, revelations, and the laws of nature are executed throughout the universe.

The Nature and Creation of Angels

According to Islamic tradition and classical scholarship, angels are beings created from light (Nur). They are distinct from humans and Jinn in that they do not possess free will in the sense of choosing between good and evil; rather, their very nature is defined by absolute obedience to the Creator. They do not require food, sleep, or biological rest, and they do not belong to any gender. This metaphysical nature allows them to inhabit a realm that exists beyond the physical perception of human beings, yet they are constantly interacting with the physical world.

The Four Archangels and Their Historical Roles

While the number of angels is known only to Allah, the Iman-e-Mufassal requires a general belief in all of them and a specific recognition of those mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. Four archangels hold the highest status due to the magnitude of their responsibilities:

Hazrat Jibra’eel (Gabriel): The Archangel of Revelation. His primary role throughout history was to bridge the gap between Allah and His Prophets, delivering the Divine Books, including the Quran.

Hazrat Mika’eel (Michael): Tasked with the management of natural forces, such as rainfall and the distribution of sustenance (Rizq) to all living creatures.

Hazrat Israfeel: The angel responsible for blowing the trumpet (Soor) to signal the end of the world and the commencement of the Day of Resurrection.

Hazrat Izra’eel: Often referred to as the Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt), he is charged with the task of separating the soul from the body at the appointed time.

The Role of Angels in Human Life

Beyond the archangels, the belief in angels encompasses those who interact daily with humanity. This includes the Kiraman Katibin (the Noble Recorders) who sit on the shoulders of every person to record their deeds, and the Mu'aqqibat (Guardian Angels) who protect individuals by Allah's command.

Historically, the belief in angels served to purify the early Islamic community from polytheistic ideas. Before Islam, some tribes in the Arabian Peninsula viewed angels as "daughters of God" or minor deities. The Iman-e-Mufassal corrected this by defining them strictly as honored servants of Allah who possess no power of their own.

Significance in the Islamic Worldview

By placing the belief in angels second, the Islamic creed emphasizes that the universe is far more complex than what can be seen with the naked eye. It teaches the believer that they are never truly alone and that a divine, organized system is constantly at work. For a student of history or theology, understanding this second belief is crucial to grasping the "Chain of Revelation"—for without the angel Jibra’eel, the third belief (the Divine Books) could not have been conveyed to the fourth belief (the Prophets).