Is Iblis Among the Angels?

Authored by: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (رحمه الله)

Question:​

Is Iblis among the angels?

Answer:​

Scholars hold two opinions on this matter, each supported by evidence and reasoning:

First Opinion: Iblis is Among the Angels​

This opinion is based on the following evidence:

1. Quranic Reference:
   Allah says:
   
   “So the angels prostrated – all of them entirely, except Iblis.”
   [Surah Sad: 73-74]
   • The word "Iblis" is included in the exception (istithna), implying that Iblis was part of the group being addressed, i.e., the angels.
   • In Arabic grammar, an exception is generally from the same category as the group being referenced.
2. Command to Angels Only:
   The command to prostrate was given specifically to the angels:
   
   “And [mention] when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam.'”
   [Surah Al-A'raf: 11]
   • There is no indication that others besides the angels were included in this command.
   • Since Iblis was also commanded, it suggests that he was among the angels.

Second Opinion: Iblis is Not Among the Angels​

This opinion, considered stronger by many scholars, is supported by the following evidence:

1. Iblis is from the Jinn:
   Allah explicitly states:
   
   “…except Iblis. He was one of the jinn…”
   [Surah Al-Kahf: 50]
   • This verse clearly establishes that Iblis was not an angel but a jinn.
2. Creation of Iblis:
   Iblis himself said:
   
   “You created me from fire…”
   [Surah Sad: 72]
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained that angels were created from light, while the jinn were created from smokeless fire:
     
     “The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire, and Adam was created from what has been described to you.”
     [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2996]
   • This distinction in creation further supports the idea that Iblis was not an angel.
3. Role of Iblis Among the Angels:
   While Iblis lived among the angels and was included in the command, his origin and nature were distinct. He was not inherently obedient, as angels are.
4. Character of Angels vs. Iblis:
   Allah praises the angels, saying:
   
   “They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, and they do what they are commanded.”
   [Surah At-Tahrim: 6]
   • This description of unwavering obedience is in stark contrast to Iblis, who refused to obey Allah’s command to prostrate to Adam.

Reconciliation of the Two Views​

The stronger opinion is that Iblis was not an angel, but his close association with the angels and his inclusion in the command to prostrate made him part of the narrative. His refusal to obey exposed his rebellious nature, rooted in his origin as a jinn.

Further Points:​

1. Iblis as the Ancestor of Jinn:
   Some scholars state that Iblis is the progenitor of the jinn, just as Adam is the progenitor of humans. Allah mentions:
   
   “Will you take him and his descendants as allies other than Me while they are enemies to you?”
   [Surah Al-Kahf: 50]
   • The reference to "descendants" suggests that Iblis has offspring, though the details of their reproduction are unknown.
2. Angels vs. Jinn:
   The angels are described as beings of worship, humility, and obedience, whereas the jinn, including Iblis, have free will and can choose to obey or disobey.

Conclusion:​

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the view that Iblis is not an angel but a jinn who lived among the angels. His disobedience stems from his nature as a jinn, which is fundamentally different from the nature of angels.

And Allah knows best.