Thus, these are the angels whose names are explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an. They are likewise the ones cited in the authentic collections, in the Prophet’s supplication:

“O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, Michael, and Isrāfīl.”

Gabriel descends with guidance to the messengers so that the nations may receive it.

Michael is entrusted with rain and vegetation—the two means through which sustenance is produced in this realm. He has aides who, by the command of his Lord, carry out his orders, directing the winds and the clouds as the Almighty wills. It has been narrated that not a single drop falls from the sky without an angel accompanying it, setting it precisely in its place on earth.

Isrāfīl is charged with blowing the Trumpet, at whose blast the dead will rise from their graves and gather on the Day of Resurrection: the grateful will attain success, the ungrateful will be requited—one forgiven and praised for his efforts, the other finding his deeds reduced to scattered dust as he cries out in woe and ruin. Thus Gabriel (peace be upon him) brings forth guidance from that with which he is entrusted,(1) Michael brings forth provision from that with which he is entrusted,(2) and Isrāfīl brings forth triumph and recompense from that with which he is entrusted.

As for the Angel of Death, his personal name is not explicitly given in the Qur’an or in rigorously authentic ḥadīths; some reports call him ʿAzrāʾīl—and Allah knows best.

Allah, exalted is He, says: “Say: the Angel of Death who has been appointed over you will take your souls, then you will be returned to your Lord” (32:11).

He has helpers who draw the soul from the servant’s body until it reaches the throat; the Angel of Death then seizes it with his hand. As soon as he has taken it, he does not keep it for even the blink of an eye before it is passed to other angels, who place it in shrouds suited to it, as has been detailed under the verse, “Allah makes firm those who believe with the firm word in this life and the Hereafter” (14:27).

They ascend with it: if it is righteous, the gates of heaven are opened for it; if not, they are closed against it and it is flung back to the earth. Allah Most High says: “He is the Irresistible above His servants, and He sends over you guardians. Then, when death comes to one of you, Our messengers take him, and they do not neglect their duty. Thereafter they are returned to Allah, their true Protector. Surely, all judgment belongs to Him, and He is swift in reckoning” (6:61–62).

Ibn ʿAbbās, Mujāhid, and others said: the earth lies before the Angel of Death like a platter, and he reaches into it wherever he wishes. We have mentioned that the angels of death approach a person in keeping with his deeds: if he is a believer, angels with bright faces, white garments, and pleasant fragrances come to him; if he is an unbeliever, the opposite is true—may Allah the Mighty protect us from that.

Ibn Abī Ḥātim said: My father narrated to us; Yaḥyā ibn Abī Yaḥyā al-Muqriʾ narrated to us; ʿAmr ibn Shimr(3) narrated to us; he said: I heard Jaʿfar ibn Muḥammad say, “I heard my father say: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, looked at the Angel of Death standing at the head of—”