Principles of Islam
2. Angels
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The role of the angels can be understood by the
example of a large factory. In any such factory,
there are many big and complex machines, which
produce the goods for which the factory has been
established. But these machines do not run on their
own. To facilitate their smooth running many
human hands are required. Therefore, in every
factory there are always a number of people whose
duty it is to attend constantly to their proper and
efficient functioning. Similarly, countless angels are
appointed to ensure the proper functioning of the
great factory of the universe.
The difference between the two factories is only that
in the material one, the human hands are visible,
while in the metaphorical one, the great mechanism
of the universe–the angels remain invisible to the
naked eye.
Man may not be able to see the angels, but the
angels can certainly see man, and keep a watch on
him on behalf of God. It is these very angels who
take man’s soul away after death.
