In Islam, angels are spiritual beings, not physical beings, and therefore don't have a physical form like humans. They are described as having wings but the exact appearance of their wings or any other physical features is not specified.
Descriptions in the Quran
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, mentions angels in various verses, but it does not provide a detailed description of their physical appearance. Here are some key aspects:
- Light: Angels are often described as being made of light (<em>nur</em>) and are associated with purity and holiness.
- Wings: The Quran mentions angels having wings but does not specify their number or type.
- Gender: Angels are considered to be genderless, although some verses may use masculine pronouns.
- Variety: The Quran describes different types of angels with specific roles, such as the angels of revelation, the angels of death, and the angels of the trumpet.
Interpretations and Illustrations
While the Quran does not provide a definitive picture, Islamic scholars and artists have offered different interpretations of what angels might look like based on the Quranic descriptions and traditions:
- Humanoid figures: Some depict angels as humanoid figures with wings, often with radiant faces and glowing bodies.
- Symbolic representations: Others use abstract symbols like light, stars, or wings to represent angels.
- No physical form: Some believe that angels have no physical form and exist only as spiritual entities.
It's important to remember that these interpretations are based on human understanding and imagination. The true appearance of angels remains a mystery, and it's more important to focus on their role and attributes as messengers of God.
