Michael (archangel)
Michael the Archangel is a significant figure across multiple religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. His name, derived from Hebrew, translates to "who is like God?" In Christianity, he is often revered as a warrior, protector, and messenger of God, frequently depicted in scripture as battling against evil, particularly Satan. In Islam, Michael, known as Mikail, is one of the principal angels who serves God and is mentioned alongside Gabriel in the Qur'an. Judaism recognizes Michael as a defender of Israel and a compassionate being, emphasizing his role in guiding and protecting people without attributing physical characteristics to him.
Veneration practices differ among the faiths; while Christians may pray to Michael for intercession, Muslims and Jews do not engage in the same kind of veneration. Artistic representations of Michael predominantly arise from Christian traditions, showcasing him as a formidable warrior. Additionally, literary works, such as John Milton's "Paradise Lost," highlight his importance in theological narratives. Overall, Michael embodies a multifaceted symbol of divine protection and authority across these religious contexts.
Michael (archangel)
Michael the Archangel is a figure in a number of different religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Michael is one of the most important angels in all three religions, and he is mentioned in each religion's scripture. The name Michael in Hebrew means "who is like God?" In some Christian faiths, Michael is known as Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Michael, or the Archangel Michael. In Islam, Michael is known as Mikail.
Michael and Other Angels in Religion
In Christianity, angels are messengers and agents of God. Angels appear in the Old Testament and New Testament of the Christian Bible. In the Old Testament, many angels act as God’s messengers. Although many of the angels in Christianity are good, some are evil. For example, Satan, or the devil, is a fallen angel who no longer follows the will of God. In the Christian tradition, Michael is often viewed as a warrior. In particular, he is seen as a warrior against Satan. He is also seen as a messenger of God.
In Islam, angels are also messengers and servants of God. However, angels in Islam do not have the ability to go against God’s will. Muslims also believe that angels play an important role in people’s daily lives. In Islam, two angels accompany every person from the time of conception to the time of death. Muslims also believe that Satan is a different type of being called jinn. They believe that jinn are able to choose good or evil actions, and they need salvation just like humans do. Michael the Archangel is one of four of the most important angels in Islam. In the Qur’an (also spelled Koran or Quran), he is known as Mikail.
In Judaism, angels are special beings with special powers, but they do not have any physical characteristics. Jews believe that any descriptions of angels' physical attributes (e.g., an arm, a wing) are actually metaphorical descriptions of their spiritual abilities. Michael became an important figure in Judaism because he was known as the defender of Israel. Michael is also depicted in Judaism as a compassionate being who saves people from harm and warns people about possible danger.
Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs about Michael the archangel are different from those of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Michael is the son of God, or Jesus, before he becomes Jesus on earth and after Jesus ascends into heaven. Seventh Day Adventists have a similar belief about Michael.
Michael the Archangel in Holy Scripture
Michael the Archangel appears in the scriptures of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. A common theme about Michael the Archangel in most scripture is that he serves the will of God and fights against evil. Even though many common ideas about Michael exist, each religion has separate scripture passages about the angel.
Christian scripture:
- In the book of Daniel, Michael the Archangel is said to be prince and protector of Israel, and he is said to be a defender.
- In the Book of St. Jude, which only some Christians use, Michael the Archangel is pictured as a figure who will fight Satan at the end of time.
- In the Book of Revelation, Michael the Archangel is said to be an angel who will fight Satan when the world is coming to an end.
Islamic scripture:
- Mikail appears only once in the Qur’an, and the scripture mentions Mikail and another angel, Gabriel.
- Mikail also appears in the Prophet’s hadith, which includes stories about the Prophet Muhammad.
Jewish scripture:
- In the Book of Daniel, Michael is called a prince. He also defends Israel.
- In the book of Enoch, Michael the Archangel is said to be involved in the war of heaven when he fights against a dragon that symbolizes Satan.
- In various other parts of Hebrew scripture, Michael warns people about possible dangers and leads some away from threats.
Veneration of Michael the Archangel
Muslims and Jews think of Michael the Archangel as an important, powerful figure; however, members of these religions do not venerate saints or other figures in the same way some Christians do. In some Christian religions, people ask Michael the Archangel to intercede for them with God. For centuries, people have venerated and prayed to Michael.
In the early Christian church, people asked Michael to intercede with God for sick people. Over time, however, Christians' views of Michael changed. Eventually, people asked Michael to intercede in matters of war. During the Middle Ages, some Christians saw Saint Michael as one of the patron saints of chivalry. Around the same time, Christians began to erect shrines to Michael, whom they believed was an important archangel and protector.
Michael the Archangel in Art and Literature
Muslims and Jews do not believe in creating art of holy figures; however, many Christians do, and some of this art includes images of Michael the Archangel. Michael is sometimes depicted with wings (as are many other angels in Christian art). Also, the archangel is often depicted as a warrior, with a sword, a shield, or a helmet. These images are meant to show Michael as a defender and protector.
John Milton’s epic Paradise Lost is about Adam and Eve being thrown out of the Garden of Eden, and it prominently features Michael the Archangel. In the story, Michael fights in a battle between rebellious angels and those who are loyal to God. Michael is pictured as a fierce warrior with a sword. Michael also leads Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden and reveals future truths to them.
Bibliography
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Nichols, Terence and Muhammad H. Muhawesh. "Angels and Satan." Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center. University of St. Thomas–Minnesota. Web. 17 July 2015. http://www.stthomas.edu/mcdc/topics/angels-satan/
"Paradise Lost: Character List." CliffsNotes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Web. 18 July 2015. http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/p/paradise-lost/character-list
"St. Michael the Archangel." Catholic Online. Catholic Online. Web. 17 July 2015. http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint‗id=308