According to the Bible and the Quran, who was the first angel created by God?
While Islamic tradition does not definitively name one angel as the first to be created, many scholars and hadiths suggest that the archangel Jibril (Gabriel) holds this title.
Angels hold a significant place in both the Bible and the Quran, serving as messengers and servants of God. While the two scriptures share many similarities in their views of angels, there are also noteworthy differences, particularly regarding the identity of the first angel created by God. Exploring these texts provides insight into the understanding of angels in both religious traditions and facilitates a more profound appreciation of their roles within the broader narratives of faith.
The Biblical Perspective on Angels
In the Bible, angels are generally depicted as God’s messengers and servants, created before mankind. The details regarding the creation of angels are less explicit in scripture than one might expect. The Bible does not specifically mention which angel was the first to be created. However, certain passages provide clues that lead many scholars and theologians to speculate about the nature of angelic beings.
One of the most significant angels in biblical context is Lucifer, often associated with the “morning star” in Isaiah 14:12. This passage, traditionally interpreted as a description of the fall of Lucifer, suggests that he was created with great beauty and authority among the angels.
Ezekiel 28:12-15 further describes this figure as being “the anointed cherub who covers,” which implies a high ranking among the angelic beings. Although Lucifer's identity is widely recognized, some interpretations lead us to conclude that he was not necessarily the "first" angel but rather one of the most distinguished before his fall.
The New Testament also introduces angels as beings who play significant roles in God’s plan, including announcing the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38), ministering to Him in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11), and heralding His resurrection (Matthew 28:2-7). While specific titles and ranks of angels are discussed—such as archangels (as seen in Jude 1:9)—the biblical narrative does not clearly identify a singular first angel.
The Quranic View on Angels
In the Quran, angels (known as “malaika”) are similarly recognized as created beings who perform God's commands and serve as intermediaries between God and mankind. The Quran provides a more explicit framework regarding the creation of angels, emphasizing their obedience and submission to God right from their inception.
While Islamic tradition does not definitively name one angel as the first to be created, many scholars and hadiths suggest that the archangel Jibril (Gabriel) holds this title. Jibril is regarded as the chief messenger of God, responsible for conveying divine messages to prophets, including the revelations given to Muhammad.
According to various interpretations within the Islamic tradition, Jibril is considered one of the most significant and earliest angels created. For instance, a hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad states that as God created Jibril, He commanded him to perform various actions, confirming his critical role within the angelic hierarchy.
The Quran affirms the role of angels in creation, stating that “the angels prostrate themselves to Adam” (Quran 2:34). This verse illustrates the importance of angels in the divine order and their immediate obedience to God’s commands. In addition to Jibril, the Quran mentions angels like Mikail (Michael), who is responsible for providing nourishment and sustenance to humans, further emphasizing the multifaceted roles angels fulfill.
The Authority and Characteristics of Angels
Both the Bible and the Quran emphasize the characteristics of angels as obedient creatures of God, possessing intelligence and serving specific functions. In both traditions, angels do not possess free will in the traditional sense; they are created to serve God faithfully without the ability to disobey His commands.
In Christianity, angels are described as spirits (Hebrews 1:14) who exist to minister to believers and operate under the authority of God, with various ranks and roles—including archangels, cherubim, and seraphim. The portrayal of angels in the Bible suggests their dynamic involvement in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Similarly, in Islam, angels do not possess the free will to choose between right and wrong; they fulfill the duties assigned to them without question. The Quran describes angels as beings created from light, which highlights their spiritual and ethereal nature. Their inability to sin further indicates their inherent purity and devotion to God’s commands.
The Significance of the First Angel
The identity of the first angel created by God—whether understood through the biblical lens or the Quranic perspective—holds significance for the understanding of divine hierarchy and the relationship between God, angels, and humanity. Recognizing the roles that angels play as messengers and protectors fosters a greater understanding of how divine communication operates within these faith traditions.
The fall of Lucifer in Christianity and the affirmation of obedience among angels in Islam serve as cautionary tales and lessons about pride, disobedience, and accountability. The notion of the first angel also emphasizes the concept of hierarchy within creation, highlighting how beings created by God each have designated roles that contribute to the divine plan.