Who were Harut and Marut mentioned in the Quran?

Harut and Marut are mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, where they are described as two angels sent by Allah to the city of Babylon. Their story is significant because it teaches important lessons about human free will, temptation, and the consequences of misusing knowledge. Allah sent these angels not as ordinary messengers, but as a test for the people. They were given knowledge related to magic, a subject that had fascinated many during that time. However, before teaching anything, they clearly warned people that they were being tested and that learning such knowledge could lead them astray if misused.

The role of Harut and Marut highlights an essential principle in Islam: knowledge must be approached responsibly and ethically. Even though they possessed knowledge that could be harmful in the wrong hands, they never compelled anyone to learn it. Instead, they reminded every seeker of the risk involved, showing the angels’ obedience to Allah and their desire to guide people toward righteousness. This also emphasizes that magic is real but prohibited, as it often leads to harm, conflict, and disbelief.

Their story also refutes claims that angels could disobey Allah. The Quran makes it clear that Harut and Marut did not act independently; they operated strictly under Allah’s command, delivering a test that exposed the intentions of the people. Those with sincere hearts avoided wrongdoing, while others, driven by desire or curiosity, misused the knowledge and fell into sin.