Jibrīl (Gabriel) is often considered the strongest angel in Islam.
While the Quran doesn't explicitly rank angels by strength, Jibrīl's role and responsibilities suggest his immense power and importance in Islamic cosmology.
Jibrīl's Prominent Role
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Chief Messenger of God: Jibrīl is the primary messenger of Allah (God) to the prophets, including Muhammad (peace be upon him). He delivered the Quran to Muhammad. This role inherently suggests immense power and authority, as it involves direct communication with the Divine and conveying divine messages.
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Warrior Angel: Islamic tradition portrays Jibrīl as a powerful warrior. For instance, he is said to have led an army of angels at the Battle of Badr, aiding the Muslims. This further emphasizes his strength and capabilities.
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Confrontation with Iblis: Jibrīl is believed to have confronted Iblis (Satan) when Iblis tempted ʿĪsā (Jesus). This demonstrates his resistance to evil and defense of divine will.
Why Jibrīl Is Considered the Strongest
Although other angels such as Israfil (the angel of the trumpet) and Mikael (often associated with sustenance and rain) have significant roles, Jibrīl's direct and frequent interaction with Allah, his delivery of divine revelations, and his role as a warrior for good contribute to the perception of him as the strongest angel. His position at the forefront of divine communication and his battles against evil solidify this view within Islamic belief.
In conclusion, while explicitly ranking angels is not a central aspect of Islamic doctrine, Jibrīl is widely regarded as the strongest angel due to his crucial role in delivering divine revelations and his active participation in protecting believers.