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Angel of Death facts for kids

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Vrubel Azrail
Azrail is a painting by Mikhail Vrubel

Azrael is often known as the angel of death. This name is the English way of saying the Arabic name Azra'il or Azra'eil (Arabic: عزرایل). In some traditions, Azrael is seen as the special angel who guides souls after death.

Who is Azrael?

Azrael is believed to be an archangel. An archangel is a very important angel. Azrael's main role is to take the souls of people when they die. This idea comes from different religious stories and beliefs.

Azrael in Islam

In Islam, there is an angel of death. However, the Qur'an, which is the holy book of Islam, does not use the name Azrael. Instead, it talks about "Malaikat al-Maut." This means "angels of death." It suggests there might be more than one angel involved in this role.

The name Azrael is not found in the Qur'an or in the Hadith. The Hadith are sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Because of this, some people think the name Azrael might be a legend. They believe it might have come from other religions or stories.

What Does the Name Mean?

The name Azrael means "Whom God Helps." This meaning suggests a helper or guide. It shows a connection to a higher power.

Other Spellings

You might see Azrael spelled in different ways. Some common spellings include:

  • Izrail
  • Izrael
  • Azrail
  • Ezraeil
  • Azraille
  • Ozryel

No matter how it's spelled, the name refers to the same figure. This figure is known for their role in guiding souls.

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