In the verse of Surah Fatir (35/1), it is said that the angels were created as messengers with wings― two, or three, or four (Pairs). Why do angles need wings that were created from Noor (Light)?

In the verse of Surah Fatir (35/1), it is said that the angels were created as messengers with wings― two, or three, or four (Pairs). Why do angles need wings that were created from Noor (Light)?

Dear Brother / Sister,

 “Praise be to Allah Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels Messengers with wings― two, or three, or four (Pairs): He adds to Creation as He pleases: for Allah has power over all things.” (Surah Fatir, 35/1)

In the interpretation of the verse given above, the existence of wings is discussed related to the duty of a “messenger”. Thus, the existence of these wings should be seen as an indicator for angel’s various duties as messengers rather than devices of flying. 

Angels have two, three, or four pairs of wings suitable to their luminous nature (in accordance with their mission and duties)

However; imagining angels as material creatures like birds with wings is a wrong understanding whereas they belong to the realm of the Ghayb (unknown); they are abstracted from material consistency and their nature is not known. With His will and determination, Allah did not create them in a way that is visible to us. Clear information is not given in the Qur’an and hadiths. Aforementioned unworldly wings that enable them to complete their tasks as soon as possible are a symbol of power and potency; and they are compatible with the aim of their creation and luminous nature. This is a figurative and metaphorical style. As a matter of fact, a person who has religious and positive sciences together is metaphorically called “Dhuljanahayn” (owner of two wings); similarly, mothers with children are also metaphorically described as “wings of compassion and mercy”. On the other hand, Christians imagine and describe angels just like birds with wings. This is another aspect that makes them deviate from the belief of Islam.

Angels have various kinds in terms of their sizes. It is obvious that an angel appointed for the sun is different from an angel appointed for a rain drop.

That some of the angles have wings that cover the world from the east to the west is not only for flying but also making an appearance in the realm of Malakut (Spirits) as a magnificent work of art created by Allah (SWT).

According to the indications of certain narrations, and the wisdom in the order of the universe, it may be said some kinds of travelling bodies, from planets to drops of water, are the mounts of some kinds of angel. They mount them with God's permission and tour and gaze upon the manifest world.(Nursi, Sözler, On Beşinci Söz: The Words, The Fifteenth Word).

The All-Wise Qur’an states clearly that everything, from the heavens to the earth, from the stars to flies, from angels to fishes, and from planets to particles, prostrates, worships, praises and glorifies Almighty God. (Sözler, Yirmi Dördüncü Söz, Dördüncü Esas: The Words, Twenty-Fourth Word, Fourth Principle).

As the angels are luminous creatures, they perform this kind of worshipping with all of their molecules. Their wings increase the quantity of their glorification.

The One, who gives wings to a fly so that it can fly from fruit to fruit, and wings to a sparrow so that it can fly from tree to tree, is the One who gives wings to angels so that they can fly from Venus to Jupiter. Luminous wings, just like material wings, are a necessity of wisdom – as a feature of flying. 

Furthermore, the angels are not restricted to particularity like the dwellers of the earth; they are not confined by a specific place. With the words: two, three, or four [pairs], it suggests that at one time they may be present on four or more stars and in order to emphasize their duties of delivering the divine orders to those places, there is an expression as; messengers with wings― two, or three, or four (Pairs). (See, The Words / Twenty-Fifth Word - Second Light - Second Beam, Ninth Point of Eloquence: Sözler, Yirmi beşinci Söz, İkinci Şule, Dokuzuncu Nükte-i belagat)

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