The Angel of Death's Tears

According to the book At-Tadzkirah fi ahwal al-Mauta wa Umur al-Akhirah by Imam al-Qurthubi, a narration from Imam az-Zuhri and Wahab bin Munabbih explains why the Angel Izrail was appointed as the Angel of Death.

When Allah intended to create humans, He commanded the Angel Jibril to take soil from the earth, but Jibril was unable to do so. He then sought Allah’s protection, as he could not fulfil the task, and Allah granted his plea.

Subsequently, Allah ordered the Angel Mikail to take soil from the earth. Mikail also proved unable and sought Allah’s protection, which was granted.

Next, Allah instructed the Angel Izrail to take soil from the earth. Izrail too sought Allah’s protection, but this time his request was denied, so he proceeded to collect some soil.

Allah asked him, ‘Do you seek My protection from this task?’

Izrail replied, ‘Yes, O Allah!’

Allah then said, ‘Why do you not show compassion towards the soil you took from the earth, unlike your companions Jibril and Mikail?’

Izrail answered, ‘O Allah, obedience to You is more binding upon me than my compassion for the earth’s soil.’

Allah then declared, ‘Go forth, and from this moment you shall be the Angel of Death. I grant you authority to take the souls of all creatures.’

Izrail wept, and Allah asked, ‘What causes your tears?’

Izrail responded, ‘O Allah, You have created prophets, messengers, and the chosen ones from this soil. Yet, nothing in the universe is more detested by them than death. If they knew I was the one taking their souls, they would surely resent and hate me.’

Allah replied, ‘Indeed, I will make diseases and other causes the reason for death, so that death is attributed to them, and they will not blame you for it.’

After this, Allah created various diseases and other causes of death.

This story offers several lessons for us to reflect upon.