Judaism, Christianity, and Islam could be considered as the three main religions, that place the most emphasis on the existence of angels. Major sacred texts of these religions, mention Archangel Michael by his name. When talking about archangels, to most of us, the angel that comes to mind is Archangel Michael. He is considered to be one of the most powerful and respected angels in god’s court.
In Sura 2: 98, of the Quran, it is written, whoever is an enemy to God and His angels and His messengers and Jibrail and Mikhail, God Himself is an enemy to them.
Many scriptures often refers to Michael as “a chief prince” and believed to assist the dying and accompany them to heaven. It is believed that at the hour of death, before the passing of the soul, many demons surround the dying person, trying to lure it to depths of the hell. At this moment, Michael descends from heaven, and gives each soul the chance to redeem itself, chasing away all the demons. His presence is also expected on the judgmental day as an advocate where all deceased souls are judged before god. So it is often seen that Cemetery chapels, where Masses are offered on behalf of the departed, to be dedicated to him.
According to Catholics, Michael will weigh the souls based on their deeds on Judgment Day, with a perfectly balanced scale. So Saint Michael is often portrayed in holding a scale. One of the famous arts of such depiction could be found on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, done by Michelangelo. In this depiction, Michelangelo has drawn angels holding books and Archangel Michael holds a smaller book. In it he records the names of the blessed souls, while the other angels holding a larger book, lists the names of the damned.
Archangel Michael is a warrior angel and viewed as the commander, of the Army of God against evil. So he is viewed as a protector, especially the protector of the church where he would also be the guardian angel of Pope. One of his well-known triumphs is the defeat of Satan and his angels, during the war in heaven. In the Book of Revelation 12: 7 - 9, it is written:
“And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels. And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.”
It is sometimes believed that Satan referred here is actually Lucifer, who was the most beautiful and perfect angel created by god. On realizing his perfection, Lucifer grew arrogant and wagged a war to overthrow god and become god himself. In this war, Michael fought with Lucifer and his fellow angels and casted them out of heaven. After Lucifer got cast out, it is said, that Michael was given his place as the chief of all angels. He is prophesied to fight again with the devil, when he disguise himself as the anti-Christ who would preach devils will. Many believe the anti-Christ is yet to come and would appear in the end of time.
According to Judaism, Michael acted as the advocate of Israel and fought with many enemies that came to harm Israelites. Of the many, Samael is considered to be prominent. In Judaism, Samael is considered as a fallen angel and when the angel fell from his grace, he took hold of the wings of Michael, whom he wished to take down. But Michael was saved by god himself, damning Samael for eternity. Then onwards the two angels became rivals.There are many occurrences that would highlight the rivalry of the two angels. One such incident is when Isaac and Rebecca was pregnant with Jacob, Samael tried to kill the baby who is in his mother’s womb. But Michael fought with Samael and saved the unborn child.
In Christianity, Michael is not only venerated as a warrior, but also as a healer. When John the Apostle was preaching, he foretold the appearance of Michael, near Lake Salda and he would rise a spring, that would have the capability to heal. As soon as the Apostle left, the spring with healing water did appear. A daughter of one of the pilgrims got healed with the water and so he build a church near the lake, in gratitude. Locals who were worshiping other religions, grew jealous of the healing power of the spring and the church. They tried to destroy both the church and the spring, by directing the river towards them. But both the church and the spring were saved by Archangel Michael, who appeared and rose a new bed for the stream to flow.
Some even believe that Michael is Jesus’s spiritual form before he took the human body and after his resurrection, Jesus again rose as Michael, so he is the son and equal to God. Some say that Michael is Jesus, and Gabriel, the Holy Spirit. Because of association with Jesus, he is considered as the greatest creation of God.
In Islam, Michael is also known as Mikail. He is believed to be responsible for the forces of nature. He is in charge to nourish bodies and souls and for the universal events that take place. According to Muslims, Mikail is the archangel of mercy, because of his appearance at the hour of death. He would ask for God’s mercy for the damned souls, if the souls are willing to repent. On gods command, he is the first angel to bow before Adam. From the tears of the archangel, emerged the other guardian angels. These angels not only act as guardian angels, but also as warriors who would fight under Michael’s command. The archangel emits a beautiful blue aura and it symbolizes power, protection, faith, courage, and strength. A sudden appearance of blue light with the significant increase in courage is a sign that Michael is near you.
Michael is the ideal angel to seek courage when it is lost. He will fill you with reassurance and would guide you in the lost path. A close relationship with him would aid you in your final hour of death. It is to this archangel that many pray when someone is in his death bed. He will fight all evil for you, making your life easy.
What do you think of this story? Have you had any experience with this angel
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