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Azrael

Azrael · Angel of Death — Reaper of Souls

The angel of death in Jewish and Islamic tradition. His name means 'God has helped' (Azra-el). When a mortal dies, he gently takes the soul and bears it to God — depicted not as a fearful reaper but as a compassionate and dignified guide. In Islam he is one of the four archangels, and Muslim tradition holds that he appears veiled in seventy thousand veils when collecting a soul.

Origin

Known in Hebrew apocryphal works (Enoch, etc.) and in Islamic theology as Malak al-Mawt, the Angel of Death. In Islam he is counted with Michael, Gabriel, and Israfil as the four archangels. Though not named in the New Testament canon, he developed within apocryphal and later mystical traditions.

Features

Black mantle and hood, or magnificent seventy thousand veils
Gentle touch that draws out the soul
Vast scroll — the register of the dead
Sometimes covered in countless eyes; otherwise of restrained majesty

Stories

Invoked as compassionate guide in deathbed rites and funerals. A focus of meditation for those who would face death without fear. In Islam, since he alone has authority to take souls at the appointed hour, families' prayers turn to him at the deathbed.