THE ANGELS: FORM

Although the angels are made from light, as previously indicated, it cannot be said that they appear as light, as some have supposed, because they have not been described as such in either the Qur’aan or the authentic Sunnah. In their natural state they are invisible to human eyes. This is proven by the fact that Angel Gabriel used to bring revelations to the Prophet (PBUH) while he was in the company of his companions, and none of them would see Gabriel. Aboo Salamah quoted ‘Aa’ishah as saying, “Allaah’s Messenger (PBUH) [once] said to me, ‘O ‘Aa’ishah, here is Gabriel greeting you with peace.’ I said, ‘And may Allaah’s peace and mercy be upon him. For you see what I cannot.’ ” Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol. 5, p. 75, no. 112. However, angels are visible to some animals. Aboo Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “If you hear a rooster crow, ask Allaah for His grace, for it has seen an angel.” Al- Bukhaaree (Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol. 4, p. 332, no. 521).