ARE THE ANGELS MALE OR FEMALE?

AN
IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE FROM A GREAT SCHOLAR

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen

Question: Are the angels male and female, or are they only males or only females?

Answer: There is a principle for the believer if he wishes to be at ease and in a state of
safety, as well as display good manners with Allaah and His Messenger; it is that he
does not ask about anything from the affairs of the unseen. We believe in them as they
have come. Due to this, had this question contained good then the first to ask about it
would have been the companions, may Allaah be pleased with them. Insha-Allaah, it
was a good question because we are able (as a result of it) to benefit from this advice.
Do not ask about affairs of the unseen. When a man said to Imaam Maalik ibn Anas,
may Allaah have mercy upon him:

‫علَى ْالعَ ْر ِش ا ْست ََوى‬

َ ُ‫الرحْ َمن‬
َّ

The Most Merciful (Allaah) Istawâ (rose over) the Throne (Ta-Ha 20:5)

“How did He rise?” He became angry. He said to him: “I do not see you except to be an
innovator.” And he commanded him to be thrown out of the Masjid of the Messenger
(sallallahu alayhi wa sallam); the Prophetic Masjid.

Source: Silsilah Liqaa’aat Al-Baab Al-Maftooh no. 189

Translated by Raha ibn Donald Batts