Who is Israfil in Islam?
Israfil is the angel entrusted with blowing the Trumpet (the Sur) that announces the Day of Judgement. The Quran never names him, but the Prophet ﷺ did, and scholars identify him as the angel of the Trumpet. He is one of the three angels the Prophet ﷺ mentioned by name in his night prayer, alongside Jibril and Mikail.
What the sources say about him
The Quran speaks about the Trumpet many times but does not give the angel's name. The name Israfil appears in a hadith. Aisha reported that the Prophet ﷺ began his night prayer with: "O Allah, Lord of Jibril, Mikail and Israfil, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen" (Sahih Muslim 770). That shows he is a real and honoured angel, and that the Prophet ﷺ mentioned him by name when asking for guidance. See Who is Jibril in Islam?
The Trumpet and the two blasts
The Quran describes two blasts of the Trumpet:
The Prophet ﷺ said there will be a gap of forty between the two blasts. When the people asked whether he meant days, months or years, Abu Hurairah would not say (Sahih al-Bukhari 4814). So the length of the gap is not known to us. See What is the trumpet on the Day of Judgement?
What we should not add
Many stories online give vivid details about Israfil: his size, his appearance, even that he weeps. These details mostly come from weaker reports and later storytelling, not from the Quran or the well-authenticated hadith. It is safest to say what is established and leave the rest to Allah.
It is also important to remember that angels have no power of their own. Allah describes them as beings who "never disobey whatever Allah orders", always doing what they are commanded (Quran 66:6). Israfil will blow the Trumpet only when Allah gives the command. Muslims love and respect angels, but we ask only Allah for help.
Why this matters for us
Belief in the angels is one of the pillars of faith, and Israfil is a reminder that this world has an end and that every person will stand before Allah. This is not meant to frighten you. It is meant to motivate steady, sincere good deeds and a heart that stays close to Allah. See Do Muslims believe in angels?
- Israfil is the angel entrusted with blowing the Trumpet.
- The Quran does not name him; the Prophet ﷺ did (Sahih Muslim 770).
- There will be two blasts: one to cause death, one to bring resurrection (Quran 39:68).
- Detailed descriptions of his appearance come from weak reports.
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