Stephen Burge

Paperback

9780367866518

Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti’s al-Haba’ik fi Akhbar al-Mala’ik, The Arrangement of the Traditions about Angels

This book presents the first comprehensive study of angels in Islam, through an analysis of a collection of traditions (hadth) compiled by the 15th century polymath Jall al-Dn al-Suyt (d. 911/1505).

With a focus on the principal angels in Islam, the author provides an analysis and critical translation of hadith included in al-Suyutis al-Habaik many of which are translated into English for the first time. The book discusses the issues that the hadth raise, exploring why angels are named in particular ways; how angels are described and portrayed in the hadth; the ways in which angels interact with humans; and the theological controversies which feature angels. From this it is possible to place al-Suyts collection in its religious and historical milieu, building on the study of angels in Judaism and Christianity to explore aspects of comparative religious beliefs about angels as well as relating Muslim beliefs about angels to wider debates in Islamic Studies.

Contents

Part I: Angels, Islam and al-Suyts al-Hab’ik f akhbr al-mal’ik

1. Angels in Classical Islam and Contemporary Scholarship

2. Al-Suyt and his Works

Part II: Themes in Islamic Angelology

3. Naming Angels

4. Imagining Angels

5. Angelic Companions

6. Angels and Theology

Part III: Translation of al-Suyts al-Hab’ik f akhbr al-mal’ik

7. Translation and Notes on al-Hab’ik f akhbr al-mal’ik

Part IV: Conclusions

8. Angels in Islam and Islamic Angelology