Harut and Marut

Harut and Marut are two angels, the Quran mentioned them, however there are many false stories about them that Islam denies. Let’s know more about their true story in Islam.

The mysterious angels in Islam

They are two angels that the Quran mentioned them in Islamic history, particularly in Harut and Marut Quran references in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102). Their story is also about their magic, as Allah sent them to test humanity. After Prophet Solomon’s death, people accused him of being a magician and not a prophet. Therefore, Allah sent Harut and Marut to educate people about Magic to know the difference between magic and the miracles of prophets. So, they were a test to humanity.

Who were Harut and Marut?

They are two angels who descended to Babylon, a city known for its mystical history. This story tells that Allah sent them to test human beings regarding sorcery and its dangers. However, they warned the people that magic was a test from Allah and they should not use it for evil.

The story of Harut and Marut in Islam

In Islam, Angels are incapable of sin as Allah said in Quran that they obey Allah and they are free of will.

“They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, but do what they are commanded.”
(Surah At-Tahrim 66:6)

Therefore, the story of Harut and Marut should not be misunderstood as angels committing sins but rather as part of a divine test for humans. Allah sent them to Earth to warn people of the danger of magic and to assure the prophethood of Prophet Soloman.

Allah mentioned more about the story of Harut and Marut in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102):

“And they followed what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But they do not teach anyone unless they say, We are a trial, so do not disbelieve . Yet they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And they learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.”

The fallen angles Harut and Marut’s Mission

Allah sent Harut and Marut to Babylon to teach people about the dangers of magic. At that time, magic was widespread, and people were being misled by sorcery and false beliefs. These two angels were given the duty to educate people about magic while warning them that it was a test.

Whenever someone came to them seeking magical knowledge, they clearly said:
“We are a test, so do not disbelieve.”

This means they did not promote magic but instead cautioned against its use. Despite their warnings, many people misused the knowledge, practicing sorcery for evil purposes, such as creating conflicts and separating spouses.

Read more about: Gog and Magog in Quran

In conclusion, this interpretation ensures that the story remains in line with the Islamic belief that angels cannot sin, reinforcing the lesson that humans are accountable for their own choices.

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