Azrael is a name widely associated with the angel of death in later religious tradition. The most important distinction is between the name used in that tradition and the wording of a scriptural passage.
Is Azrael named in the Quran?
Quran 32:11 refers to the angel of death, entrusted with taking human lives, but does not name that angel Azrael. The Quranic Arabic Corpus records the traditional association with Azrael while explicitly noting that the name itself does not occur in the Quran.
For that reason, “the Quran names Azrael” and “later tradition calls the angel Azrael” are different claims. Keeping that distinction clear helps us read the tradition with both reverence and care. Spellings such as Azra’il reflect transliteration choices and should be checked against the edition being read.
Azrael, the Bible and Ezra
No biblical verse is provided here as naming Azrael the angel of death. When a secondary source makes that claim, look for the exact book, passage and translation rather than relying on a list of names.
Azrael should not be identified with Ezra merely because the names resemble one another. In 2 Esdras 4:1, the angel who answers the narrator is named Uriel. That passage does not say that Ezra becomes Azrael.
Is the angel of death a fallen angel?
In Quran 32:11, the angel of death carries out an assigned task. That passage does not describe the angel as rebelling against God. “Angel of death” and “fallen angel” should therefore not be used as equivalent categories when explaining this text.
How to compare traditions
A scriptural verse, a later commentary, a devotional account and a fictional adaptation each speak from their own setting. Some give the angel’s name, some its role, and some both; reading them in context keeps their accounts distinct.
Continue with Uriel, the angel-name directory, or our guide to sources.
Sources
- Quran 32:11.
- Quranic Arabic Corpus: Azrael, for the name’s relationship to later tradition.
- 2 Esdras 4:1, for the identification of Uriel.