After the light illuminated the universe and it began to take shape by Allah's command, Allah willed to create beings that would inhabit this universe and worship Him as He deserves to be worshiped. He began by creating the angels from light. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: **"The angels were created from light, and the jinn were created from a smokeless flame of fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you."**
Creation of the Angels from Light
In a realm full of light and purity, Allah created the angels as pure beings, who do not disobey Allah's commands and do as they are instructed. For instance, Jibril's role in delivering revelations to the prophets demonstrated the angels' complete obedience and dedication to Allah's divine plan, directly impacting the course of human history by guiding the messengers. For instance, Jibril, the chief of the angels, was entrusted with the task of delivering divine revelations, while Mikail ensured that sustenance reached all living beings, highlighting their unwavering obedience and purposeful roles in the divine plan. They differed in tasks and ranks. Among them were the bearers of the Throne, those entrusted with revelation, and the guardians and recorders. Each angel had a specific role in the divine order, ensuring that the universe operated in perfect harmony.
The angels gathered in the presence of Allah, and He asked them, "To whom does the kingdom belong today?" They humbly replied, "To Allah, the One, the All-Powerful." This dialogue highlighted the absolute sovereignty of Allah over all existence. The angels, in their humility, acknowledged that everything belongs to Allah alone, and their devotion was a testament to their unwavering submission to His divine authority. Then He commanded them to prostrate to Him and glorify His praise, and they said, **"We glorify Your praises and sanctify You."** Their voices echoed across the heavens, reverberating through the layers of the cosmos, each word filled with devotion and awe. The angels marveled at the creation that was unfolding before them, knowing that their purpose was to serve and praise their Creator.
Among the greatest of the angels were:
- **Jibril (Gabriel), peace be upon him**: Entrusted with delivering revelation to the prophets and messengers. Jibril's role was crucial in maintaining the connection between Allah and His chosen messengers, guiding humanity with the divine message.
- **Mikail (Michael), peace be upon him**: Responsible for provisions and rainfall. Mikail ensured that the earth received its sustenance, maintaining the balance necessary for all living beings to thrive.
- **Israfil, peace be upon him**: The one who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment. Israfil's role was to be the herald of the end times, and he awaited this moment with a sense of solemn duty.
- **The Angel of Death**: Entrusted with taking souls. The Angel of Death carried out his duty with precision, ensuring that every soul was taken at its appointed time, as decreed by Allah.
The angels, in their various roles, were manifestations of Allah's mercy, power, and wisdom. Jibril, for example, embodied Allah's mercy by delivering guidance to the prophets, ensuring that humanity received the divine message. Mikail represented Allah's power through his role in providing sustenance and maintaining the natural balance of the earth. Israfil, tasked with blowing the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment, demonstrated Allah's wisdom in the orchestration of the end of times and the resurrection. Jibril, by delivering revelation, manifested Allah's guidance and mercy to humanity. Mikail, through his role in providing sustenance, embodied Allah's provision and care for all creatures. Israfil, with his duty to sound the trumpet, symbolized the power of resurrection and the fulfillment of divine decree. The Angel of Death, through his role in taking souls, reflected Allah's control over life and death. Each angel's role emphasized a different aspect of Allah's absolute power over all creation. They acted as guardians, messengers, and servants, each fulfilling their purpose with unwavering obedience.
Creation of the Jinn from Smokeless Fire
In another part of creation, Allah created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire, a pure and intense form of fire. They were beings with free will, living in their own realms, and possessed abilities that exceeded those of humans in certain aspects. Allah says: **"And He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire"** (Quran 55:15). The jinn were created with unique attributes, including the ability to move swiftly, shape-shift, and live in environments beyond human reach, such as deep deserts, dense forests, and even the unseen corners of the earth. They could dwell in places that were mysterious and inaccessible to humans, adding an element of enigma to their existence. They had their own societies, with leaders, laws, and responsibilities, and their lives were filled with both opportunities for righteousness and temptations toward evil.
Among the jinn was a creature named **Iblis**, who was a devout worshipper. Due to his dedication and worship, Allah raised him to the heavens, where he was among the angels. However, his heart harbored seeds of arrogance and pride that would later be revealed. Iblis would often look at the angels, comparing himself to them. He would think, "I am created from fire, which is superior to light. Surely, I am deserving of a higher status." This belief in the superiority of fire fueled his sense of entitlement and resentment, gradually warping his perspective. It led him to question the wisdom behind Allah's decisions, ultimately pushing him toward open defiance and rebellion when faced with the command to bow to Adam. This growing arrogance began to influence his behavior, planting the seeds of defiance that would later lead him to rebel against Allah's command. His thoughts were tainted with envy, even as he continued his acts of worship.
A Conversation Among the Angels
One day, the angels gathered, contemplating the magnificence of creation.
**Angel 1:** "How great is Allah's wisdom in creating this vast universe! Each star, each planet, all perfectly placed by His command."
**Angel 2:** "Indeed, but will there be another being to complete this beautiful masterpiece? One that will reflect the divine attributes in ways we cannot?"
Jibril, peace be upon him, intervened and said, "Allah is preparing for a great creation, one that will have an important role on earth. A being with free will, capable of making choices, and bearing a trust that even we could not carry." The angels pondered what it meant to bear such a trust, realizing that it involved the capacity for both great good and great harm. They understood that this new creation would be tested in ways they could not fathom, highlighting the immense responsibility that came with free will.
The angels pondered these words, their curiosity piqued by the mention of a new creation. They knew that whatever Allah willed would be filled with purpose, but they also understood the gravity of free will—a gift that carried great responsibility.
Isra'iliyyat Narratives
Some ancient narrations (Isra'iliyyat) tell that when Allah created the angels, He wrote on their foreheads **"There is no deity but Allah"**, and when He created the jinn, He wrote on their foreheads **"Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"**. Although these narrations are not confirmed, they point to the status of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ since the beginning of time. These narratives emphasize the continuity of Allah's message, from the creation of the angels and jinn to the final messenger, Muhammad ﷺ, who would come as a mercy to all worlds.
The Test of Iblis
Iblis was diligent in his worship; it was said that he worshiped Allah in all the heavens and the earth. He would bow in prayer, fast, and praise his Lord with unwavering devotion, demonstrating acts of worship that were visible to all, including the angels. His dedication was apparent, and he often led in acts of devotion, earning a reputation of piety among the inhabitants of the heavens. He would bow, prostrate, and glorify his Lord, and his devotion was apparent to all who saw him. However, he hid within his heart a sense of superiority over others. He would say to himself, "I have reached heights that none before me have attained. I have been raised to the heavens, and I worship alongside the angels. Surely, there is none like me."
This pride festered in his heart, slowly corrupting his intentions. Iblis began to believe that his creation from fire made him inherently superior to any being made from clay. He saw fire as powerful, dynamic, and untamed, whereas clay was humble, mundane, and lifeless. This flawed reasoning would ultimately lead to his downfall.
The Angels and the Knowledge of Names
Allah wanted to show the angels His wisdom in creating the coming human. He says: **"And He taught Adam the names—all of them"** (Quran 2:31). Adam, peace be upon him, was taught the names of everything—the mountains, the rivers, the animals, and even the stars in the sky. He was given knowledge that the angels did not possess, a sign of the unique role that humankind would play in Allah's creation.
But before this, the angels questioned, "Our Lord, will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we glorify Your praise and sanctify You?" Allah replied, **"Indeed, I know that which you do not know"** (Quran 2:30). The angels, in their devotion, could not comprehend why a being with the potential for wrongdoing would be created. They had seen the jinn misuse their free will, and they feared that this new creation would follow the same path.
The Role of the Angels and Jinn in Creation
Allah commanded the angels and jinn to prepare for the arrival of a vicegerent on earth. The angels awaited this great event, while pride began to consume Iblis's heart. The universe was abuzz with anticipation as the earth was being prepared—rivers flowed, mountains rose, and fields of green spread across the land, all awaiting the arrival of humankind.
**Jinn 1:** "What do you think of this new creation? A being made of clay, destined to walk the earth and bear a great trust."
**Iblis:** (with arrogance) "If it is created from clay, it will not be better than us who were created from fire. Fire is superior—strong, vibrant, and untamed. I shall not bow to a being made of mere dust."
The angels, however, prepared themselves to fulfill whatever role Allah commanded them to take in relation to this new creation. Some would become protectors, others would record deeds, and still others would bring divine messages to guide this being called **Adam**. The jinn, on the other hand, watched with mixed emotions—some with curiosity, others with apprehension, and Iblis with growing resentment.
Conclusion
Thus, the heavens and the earth were prepared for the greatest event—the creation of Adam, peace be upon him. The events continued to unfold, revealing great wisdom and lessons in obedience to Allah and following His commands, as well as the consequences of arrogance and defiance. The angels bowed before Adam in obedience to Allah's command, recognizing the honor Allah had bestowed upon this new creation. Iblis, however, refused, his pride and arrogance blinding him to the reality of Allah's wisdom.
**Allah said,** _"What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?"_ **Iblis replied,** _"I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay."_ **(Quran 7:12)**
This defiance marked the beginning of a deep enmity between Iblis and humankind—a conflict that would continue until the end of time. The story of the angels and the jinn serves as a reminder of the virtues of humility, obedience, and submission to Allah's will, and the perils of arrogance and pride. In modern life, humility can lead to positive relationships, personal growth, and inner peace, while pride can result in conflicts, missed opportunities for improvement, and damaged relationships. For example, a person who remains humble in the workplace is more likely to build strong connections and learn from others, whereas pride can lead to isolation and mistakes that go uncorrected. In our everyday lives, these lessons teach us to remain humble, even in times of success, and to recognize that our abilities and achievements are ultimately from Allah. The story also warns us of the dangers of arrogance, which can lead to harmful actions and distance us from the truth. By striving to embody the qualities of the angels and avoiding the pitfalls that led to Iblis's downfall, we can lead lives that are pleasing to Allah and beneficial to others. These lessons are deeply relevant to human life today, encouraging us to reflect on our own attitudes, strive for humility, and avoid the destructive consequences of pride and defiance. By understanding the outcomes of Iblis's arrogance and the angels' obedience, we can better navigate our own choices and actions. The stage was now set for the story of Adam and his descendants, who would walk upon the earth, face trials, and strive to fulfill their purpose as Allah's vicegerents.
The heavens, the earth, the angels, and the jinn all bore witness to this pivotal moment in creation—a moment that carried with it the promise of mercy, the potential for greatness, and the inevitable test of free will.