the true meaning of being struck down: does it denote death for those mentioned? And what is the true nature of the exception?

He replied:

Praise be to Allah. The view held by most people is that all created beings will die, even the angels and even Azrael, the Angel of Death. A hadith traced back to the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—has been reported concerning this. Muslims, Jews and Christians agree that this is possible and that Allah has the power to bring it about. The only dissenters are certain groups of philosophers who follow Aristotle, and others like them, who claim that the angels are the intellects and souls, and that they cannot possibly die under any circumstances. Rather, in their view, they are the gods and lords of this world.

The Quran and the other revealed Books declare that the angels are servants subject to His governance, as He, glorified be He, says:

“The Messiah will never disdain to be a servant of Allah, nor will the angels brought near to Him. Whoever disdains to worship Him and is arrogant—He will gather them all to Himself.”

And He, Most High, says:

“They say, ‘The Most Merciful has taken a child.’ Glory be to Him! Rather, they are honored servants. They do not speak before He speaks, and they act at His command. He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they intercede only for those He approves.”

And He, Most High, says:

“How many angels there are in the heavens whose intercession avails nothing except after Allah gives permission for whomever He wills and approves.”

Allah, glorified and exalted be He, is able to cause them to die and then bring them back to life, just as He is able