Wisdom Behind Being Created Human and the Desire to Be an Angel
Many people often wonder: “If we were meant to be human, was this done with our consent? Why weren't we created as angels so we could be spared from the threat of Hell?”
The brief answer to this objection is: Allah ﷻ is the Creator, and His actions cannot be questioned by His creation.
However, to address the illogical nature of this question, it is first essential to understand the fundamental difference between humans and angels.
✔ Angels are created from light.
✔ Humans were created from clay.
✔ Angels have no free will and follow only Allah’s commands.
✔ Humans are granted free will and can choose between good and evil.
✔ Paradise and Hell are not for angels.
✔ Humans are granted the choice to earn Paradise or be condemned to Hell based on their actions.
✔ Angels worship and obey without choice or deviation.
✔ Humans are given responsibilities alongside the freedom to act according to their will.
✔ Angels were created solely for worship, and freedom is not part of their existence.
✔ Humans were created for worship and to be tested through their deeds, which will lead to either reward or punishment.
The objection — “Had we been angels, we would’ve been safe from Hell” — is illogical.
This argument would carry weight only if Allah had declared that all humans are destined for Hell.
But neither the Qur’an nor Hadith states this.
Allah ﷻ says that even if a person sins as much as the foam of the ocean, if he sincerely repents, Allah not only accepts the repentance but turns those sins into good deeds.
(Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Vol. 8, p. 275)
❖ Question ①: What must a human do to enter Paradise?
✔ Obey Allah ﷻ.
❖ Question ②: What do angels do?
✔ Obey Allah ﷻ.
❖ Question ③: What does a human receive for obedience?
✔ Paradise and eternal peace.
❖ Question ④: What do angels receive for obedience?
✔ Nothing.
❖ Question ⑤: When reward for obedience is exclusive to humans, then why wish to be an angel?
➤ One must reflect that the benefit of being human is the opportunity to earn Paradise through obedience — something unattainable for angels, despite their constant worship.
✔ If a human sins, Allah has kept the door of repentance open.
✔ Even if sins are as vast as ocean foam, sincere repentance results in not just forgiveness, but the transformation of those sins into righteous deeds.
✔ This is a great divine favor for humans, which angels do not possess.
In truth, this objection seems more fitting for angels — for they engage in worship day and night and yet receive no reward like Paradise.
By contrast, a human being can earn Paradise through obedience in a short, finite lifespan.
However, since angels lack free will, they cannot raise such an objection.
As human beings, we must understand and appreciate the gift of choice and the mercy of Allah — and be grateful for it.
❖ Humans should take full advantage of the freedom and the opportunity for repentance granted by Allah ﷻ.
❖ Instead of desiring to be angels, one should strive for Paradise through obedience and righteous deeds.
Brief Explanation of the Objection
Many people often wonder: “If we were meant to be human, was this done with our consent? Why weren't we created as angels so we could be spared from the threat of Hell?”
The brief answer to this objection is: Allah ﷻ is the Creator, and His actions cannot be questioned by His creation.
However, to address the illogical nature of this question, it is first essential to understand the fundamental difference between humans and angels.
Fundamental Differences Between Humans and Angels
Nature of Creation:
✔ Angels are created from light.
✔ Humans were created from clay.
Status of Free Will:
✔ Angels have no free will and follow only Allah’s commands.
✔ Humans are granted free will and can choose between good and evil.
Relevance to Paradise and Hell:
✔ Paradise and Hell are not for angels.
✔ Humans are granted the choice to earn Paradise or be condemned to Hell based on their actions.
Duties and Free Will:
✔ Angels worship and obey without choice or deviation.
✔ Humans are given responsibilities alongside the freedom to act according to their will.
Purpose of Creation:
✔ Angels were created solely for worship, and freedom is not part of their existence.
✔ Humans were created for worship and to be tested through their deeds, which will lead to either reward or punishment.
Logical Analysis of the Objection
The objection — “Had we been angels, we would’ve been safe from Hell” — is illogical.
This argument would carry weight only if Allah had declared that all humans are destined for Hell.
But neither the Qur’an nor Hadith states this.
Divine Statement:
Allah ﷻ says that even if a person sins as much as the foam of the ocean, if he sincerely repents, Allah not only accepts the repentance but turns those sins into good deeds.
(Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Vol. 8, p. 275)
Comparison Between Humans and Angels Regarding Paradise
❖ Question ①: What must a human do to enter Paradise?
✔ Obey Allah ﷻ.
❖ Question ②: What do angels do?
✔ Obey Allah ﷻ.
❖ Question ③: What does a human receive for obedience?
✔ Paradise and eternal peace.
❖ Question ④: What do angels receive for obedience?
✔ Nothing.
❖ Question ⑤: When reward for obedience is exclusive to humans, then why wish to be an angel?
➤ One must reflect that the benefit of being human is the opportunity to earn Paradise through obedience — something unattainable for angels, despite their constant worship.
The Blessing of Divine Forgiveness
✔ If a human sins, Allah has kept the door of repentance open.
✔ Even if sins are as vast as ocean foam, sincere repentance results in not just forgiveness, but the transformation of those sins into righteous deeds.
✔ This is a great divine favor for humans, which angels do not possess.
Reality of the Objection
In truth, this objection seems more fitting for angels — for they engage in worship day and night and yet receive no reward like Paradise.
By contrast, a human being can earn Paradise through obedience in a short, finite lifespan.
However, since angels lack free will, they cannot raise such an objection.
As human beings, we must understand and appreciate the gift of choice and the mercy of Allah — and be grateful for it.
Conclusion
❖ Humans should take full advantage of the freedom and the opportunity for repentance granted by Allah ﷻ.
❖ Instead of desiring to be angels, one should strive for Paradise through obedience and righteous deeds.
