Azrael The Archangel of Death

conceptual art by Donna Mae

Azrael the Archangel of Death – also known as ‘the angel of retribution’ – is Hebrew but originates from sects of Islam and Sikhism. It is an English form of the Arabic name ʿIzrāʾīl (عزرائيل) or Azra'eil (عزرایل), meaning literally means’ ‘Whom God Helps’, in an adapted form of Hebrew. The Qur'an never uses this name, rather referring to Malak al-Maut (which translates directly as angel of death). Also spelt Izrail, Azriel, Azrail, Azryel, Ozryel, or Azraa-eel, the spelling being the most often used Azrael.

Azrael and The Third Heaven

Islamic tradition places Azrael, the angel of death, in the Third Heaven called Marum. According to Shi'ite sources, a hadith from Imam Ali mentions the name of the seven heavens as:

Rafi' 

Qaydum

Marum

Arfalun

Hay'oun

Arous

Ajma'

‘The Shi’ites tell of seven heavens. Marum is the name of the third Heaven. Marum is the name of the third heaven, where the Archangel Azrael resided.’ 

The Third Heaven in the Book of Enoch

In the Second Book of Enoch, Third Heaven is described as a location "between corruptibility and incorruptibility" containing the Tree of Life, "whereon the Lord rests, when he goes up into paradise." (chapter 8) Two springs in the Third Heaven, one of milk and the other of honey, along with two others of wine and oil, flow down into the Garden of Eden. (verse 6) 

In contrast with the common concept of Paradise, the Second Book of Enoch also describes a Third Heaven, "a very terrible place" with "all manner of tortures" in which merciless angels torment "those who dishonour God, who on earth practice sin against nature," including sodomites, sorcerers, enchanters, witches, the proud, thieves, liars and those guilty of various other transgressions. (chapter 10)

Art work courtesy of Pete Mohr Bacher

Azrael and the Apocalypse

Four allusions to the Apocalypse of Moses occur in close proximity in 2 Corinthians. The allusions are (i) "Satan as an angel of light", (ii) the distinction of Satan and the serpent as two beings, (iii) "Third Heaven" (iv) “Paradise”.

Arabic Origins

In 22 some cultures and sects, Azrael, also pronounced as , is the name referring to the Angel of Death by some Arabic speakers. The name is mentioned in a few Muslim books but is argued by some Muslims as having no basis of reference.

Wikipedia tells us:

'Along with Jibrīl, Mīkhā'īl, Isrāfīl and other angels, the Angel of Death is believed by Muslims to be one of the archangels. Several Muslim traditions recount meetings between the Angel of Death and the prophets, the most famous being a conversation between the Angel of Death and Moses. He watches over the dying, separates the soul from the body, and receives the spirits of the dead in Muslim belief. Rather than merely representing death personified, the Angel of Death is usually described in Islamic sources as subordinate to the will of God "with the most profound reverence.” However, there is no reference within the Quran or any Islamic teachings giving the angel of death the name of Azrael. 

Riffian (Berber) men of Morocco had the custom of shaving the head but leaving a single lock of hair on either the crown, left, or right side of the head, so that the angel Azrael is able "...to pull them up to heaven on the Last Day." '