Book Review: Angels in Islam, Suyuti's Arrangement of The Traditions About Angels S. R. Burge

Angels in Islam, Suyuti's Arrangement of The Traditions About Angels

Book Review: Angels in Islam, Suyuti's Arrangement of The Traditions About Angels S. R. Burge

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: Angels in Islam, Suyuti's Arrangement of The Traditions About Angels S. R. Burge by Legaproblema.com - Have you ever wondered how Islamic angelology unfolds beyond the common knowledge of angels in Islam and their duties? What does the Quran say about angels, and how do traditions shape our understanding? In this detailed book Angels in Islam, Suyuti's Arrangement of The Traditions About Angels S. R. Burge, we explore these questions by delving into the rich tapestry of Islamic angelology through the lens of S. R. Burge scholarly work.

This book is a critical translation and analysis of the 15th-century polymath Jalāl al-Dīn al-Suyūtī’s collection of hadith on angels, titled al-Haba'ik fi akhbar al-mala'ik (“The Arrangement of the Traditions about Angels”). It provides a comprehensive study of angels in Islam, exploring their names, descriptions, roles, and theological significance, including the depiction of key figures such as Haroot and Maroot mentioned in the Quran, the four important angels in Islam, and the eight angels who carry the throne of Allah.³

By opening up the study of angels beyond eschatological themes, Burge work enriches our understanding of Islamic theology and its intersection with comparative religion, making it a vital resource for scholars and students alike.²

Book Details

Author

Stephen R. Burge¹

Original Language

Arabic

Translation

English

Publisher

Routledge⁶

ISBN

9780367866518⁴

Length

352 pages⁷

Genre

Religious Studies, Islamic Theology, Comparative Religion⁶

Structure and Contents

What makes this book a cornerstone in Islamic angelology? The structure is thoughtfully divided into four main parts, each addressing critical aspects of angels in Islam:

• Part I: Introduction to angels in classical Islam and contemporary scholarship, and an overview of al-Suyūtī’s works.⁶
• Part II: Thematic exploration including naming angels, their imagery, angelic companions, and theological debates surrounding angels.⁶
• Part III: The core translation and detailed notes on al-Suyūtī’s al-Haba'ik fi akhbar al-mala'ik.¹⁰
• Part IV: Conclusions that place Islamic angelology in a broader religious and historical context.⁶

This clear division aids readers in navigating complex theological concepts while appreciating the historical and religious significance of angels in Islam.

Strong Points of the Book

Why does this book stand out in the field of Islamic studies? Here are some of its key strengths:

• Extensive critical translation of primary Islamic texts on angels, many translated into English for the first time.³
• Comprehensive analysis of angelic names and their significance, shedding light on why certain angels bear particular names.⁹
• Insightful discussion on the portrayal of angels in hadith and their interactions with humans.⁶
• Engagement with theological controversies, offering a nuanced understanding of Islamic beliefs about angels.²
• Comparative approach linking Islamic angelology with Jewish and Christian traditions, enriching interfaith dialogue.⁵

Impact and Legacy

What legacy does Burge book Angels in Islam, Suyuti's Arrangement of The Traditions About Angels leave for Islamic scholarship? It broadens the scope of Islamic angelology by making rare and complex texts accessible to a wider audience. Its scholarly rigor and fresh translations have the potential to become a standard reference for students, academics, and anyone interested in the spiritual dimensions of Islam.⁶

Moreover, it encourages further research into the theological roles of angels, their depiction in scripture, and their place in Muslim devotional life, thus enriching contemporary Islamic studies and comparative religion.²

Angels S. R. Burge

Criticism of the Book

Are there any critiques of this otherwise groundbreaking work? Some readers might find the detailed theological discussions dense, requiring prior knowledge of Islamic studies to fully appreciate the nuances. Additionally, the book academic tone might not appeal to casual readers seeking a lighter introduction to angels in Islam.¹

However, these aspects are typical of scholarly works aiming for depth and precision rather than popular accessibility.

Comparison with Other Similar Books

How does this book compare with other works on Islamic angelology? Unlike general surveys that briefly mention angels, Burge work provides a focused, critical edition of a classical hadith collection, enriched with translation and commentary.⁴

Aspect	Angels in Islam (Burge)	Other Islamic Angelology Books
Primary Source Material	Extensive translation of al-Suyūtī’s hadith collection3	Often secondary summaries or thematic overviews
Scholarly Depth	High, with critical analysis and theological discussion6	Varies, often less detailed
Comparative Religion	Explicitly compares with Jewish and Christian angelology5	Rarely included
Accessibility	Academic tone, suited for scholars and students1	Some more accessible to general readers

Islamic Angelology

What exactly is Islamic angelology, and why does it matter? Islamic angelology is the study of angels as described in Islamic texts, including the Quran and hadith. Angels in Islam are considered created beings who obey Allah commands and perform various duties, such as delivering revelation, recording deeds, and managing natural phenomena.²

Burge book enriches this field by providing detailed insights into the names, roles, and theological significance of angels, illustrating how Islamic angelology is a complex and vital part of Muslim belief and practice.³

Angel in Islam and Their Duties

Ever wondered what specific roles angels play in Islam? The book highlights the diverse angel in Islam and their duties, including:

• Gabriel (Jibril): Delivering divine revelation to prophets.⁶
• Mikael (Michael): Managing natural elements like rain and sustenance.⁶
• Israfil: Blowing the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.⁶
• Azrael: Angel of death, responsible for taking souls.⁶

Beyond these, numerous angels carry out tasks such as recording human deeds, guarding believers, and supporting divine justice, as detailed in the traditions analyzed by Burge.⁹

Angel in Quran

What does the Quran say about angels? The angel in Quran are mentioned frequently as messengers and servants of Allah, emphasizing their obedience and purity. The book translation and commentary on al-Suyūtī’s hadith complement Quranic references by elaborating on angelic attributes and interactions with humans, enriching our understanding of their spiritual and theological roles.⁶

Haroot and Maroot in Quran

Who are Haroot and Maroot mentioned in the Quran? These two angels are unique figures associated with teaching magic and testing human faith, as referenced in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102). Burge work discusses the traditions surrounding Haroot and Maroot, exploring their controversial roles and theological implications within Islamic angelology.³

4 Important Angels in Islam

Can we name the 4 important angels in Islam that every Muslim should know? Burge book highlights these principal angels:

• Jibril (Gabriel) – The chief messenger who brought revelation to the prophets.⁶
• Mikael (Michael) – Responsible for providing sustenance and managing natural phenomena.⁶
• Israfil – The angel who will blow the trumpet signaling the Day of Judgment.⁶
• Azrael – The angel of death who takes souls at their appointed time.⁶

These angels are central to Islamic theology and are discussed extensively in the traditions translated by Burge.²

8 Angels Carry the Throne of Allah

Did you know that eight angels carry the throne of Allah? This concept is mentioned in the Quran (35:1) and elaborated upon in Islamic tradition. Burge translation includes hadith that describe these majestic angels, highlighting their immense power and reverence in Islamic cosmology.³

Their depiction underscores the grandeur of divine authority and the intricate angelic hierarchy within Islamic belief.⁶

Final Ruling

In sum, our exploration of book Angels in Islam, Suyuti's Arrangement of The Traditions About Angels S. R. Burge reveals a meticulously researched, richly detailed, and critically important contribution to Islamic studies. It deepens our understanding of Islamic angelology, bridging classical scholarship and contemporary analysis.⁶

For scholars, students, and anyone intrigued by the spiritual dimensions of Islam, this book is an indispensable resource that illuminates the angelic world with clarity and scholarly precision.²

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