The angel commonly identified as the Angel of Death is Azrael. He is a significant figure across various religious traditions, recognized for his role in ushering souls from the physical world.
Understanding Azrael, the Angel of Death
Azrael is the name frequently attributed to the Angel of Death. This celestial being appears in numerous religious texts and traditions, signifying the culmination of life on Earth. His primary function is often described as the one who separates the soul from the body at the moment of death, guiding it to the afterlife.
Diverse Names and Traditions
While "Azrael" is the most widely recognized name in many Western contexts, the Angel of Death is known by different names in various religious scriptures and cultures, reflecting diverse theological perspectives.
Here are some notable names and their associated texts:
| Name | Religious Text / Tradition |
|---|---|
| Azrael | General / Abrahamic |
| Malak al-Maut | Quran (Islam) |
| Azriel | Zohar (Kabbalah / Judaism) |
In the Islamic tradition, within the Quran, the Angel of Death is referred to as Malak al-Maut (meaning "Angel of Death"). Similarly, in Jewish mystical texts, specifically the Zohar, he is identified as Azriel. These varying names underscore the universal concept of an entity presiding over death, yet interpreted through different cultural and theological lenses.
For more information on the Angel of Death across cultures, you can refer to encyclopedic sources such as Wikipedia.
