Thinkers have also disagreed over whether it is possible for there to exist an entity that subsists in itself, cannot be pointed to, and cannot be seen. There are three views.

Some say: This is not possible; rather, it is impossible.

Others say: Rather, it is impossible for originated, contingent things, which admit both existence and nonexistence, but not for the necessary existent.

Still others say: Rather, it is possible for both the contingent and the necessary. This is the view of some philosophers (1 and those among the adherents of religions who agree with them, 1) (1) (2 I do not know of anyone among the adherents of religions who holds this view except one who took it from these philosophers 2). (2)

Those who affirm this refer to such beings as immaterial entities and separate entities. Most thinkers, however, say: Such things exist only in minds, not in external reality. Of this category, only the existence of the human soul—which parts from its body and becomes detached from it—is established.

As for the angels of whom the messengers informed us, the philosophizers who claim affiliation with the Muslims say: They are immaterial intellects and souls; they are intellectual substances.

[The Reality of the Angels]

As for the adherents of religions and those who know what Allah has related about the angels’ attributes, they know with certainty, on many grounds that have been expounded elsewhere, that the angels are not the immaterial entities affirmed by these people. For the angels were created from light, as the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—stated in an authentic hadith. (3)