Epigraph

As for those who say, ‘Our Lord is God,’ and take the straight path towards Him, the angels come down to them and say, ‘Have no fear or grief, but rejoice in the good news of Paradise, which you have been promised. We are your allies in this world and in the world to come, where you will have everything you desire and ask for as a welcoming gift from the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful One.’ (Al Quran 41:31-32)

Remember when you said to the believers, ‘Will you be satisfied if your Lord reinforces you by sending down three thousand angels? Well, if you are steadfast and mindful of God, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand swooping angels if the enemy should suddenly attack you!’ and God arranged it so, as a message of hope for you [believers] to put your hearts at rest –– help comes only from God, the Mighty, the Wise. (Al Quran 3:124-126)

Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

Ghulam Ahmed Pervaiz (1903–1985) was a prominent Islamic scholar known for his modernist and Quran-centric interpretations. He sought to reconcile Islamic teachings with contemporary scientific understanding, often challenging traditional views. One notable aspect of his scholarship is his interpretation of angels (malā’ika) in Islam.

Metaphorical Interpretation of Angels

Pervaiz proposed that references to angels in the Quran should be understood metaphorically rather than as descriptions of supernatural beings. He argued that the term “angels” symbolizes the natural forces and laws governing the universe. In this view, angels represent the mechanisms through which God’s will is manifested in the physical world, such as the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology. This interpretation aligns with his broader approach to demystify concepts traditionally considered supernatural, aiming to harmonize religious texts with rational and scientific thought. 

Angels as Natural Forces

Expanding on his metaphorical approach, Pervaiz suggested that specific angels mentioned in the Quran correspond to particular natural phenomena or laws. For instance, he interpreted the “Angel of Death” not as a distinct entity but as a representation of the inevitable natural process of death that all living beings undergo. Similarly, other angels are seen as personifications of various forces that maintain the order and function of the universe.

Rationalizing Supernatural Concepts

Pervaiz’s reinterpretation of angels is part of his broader effort to rationalize concepts traditionally viewed as supernatural in Islam. By understanding angels as metaphors for natural laws, he aimed to make Islamic teachings more accessible and acceptable to those with a scientific worldview. This approach reflects his commitment to a rational and metaphorical understanding of the Quran, seeking to bridge the gap between faith and reason.

Reception and Impact

Pervaiz’s views have been both influential and controversial. While some have praised his efforts to modernize Islamic thought and align it with contemporary knowledge, others have criticized his interpretations as deviating from traditional Islamic teachings. Nonetheless, his work has sparked significant discussions on how to interpret religious texts in the modern era, especially concerning the integration of science and religion.

In summary, Ghulam Ahmed Pervaiz’s views on angels reflect his broader endeavor to interpret Islamic concepts through a rational and scientific lens. By viewing angels as metaphors for natural forces, he sought to demystify religious teachings and promote a harmonious relationship between faith and reason.

Additional reading

Are Endorphins and Neurotransmitters Angels of God?