Surah Al-Baqarah — Verse 98

Word Meanings:

• Jibril (Gabriel): The angel entrusted with delivering divine revelation to the prophets.
• Mikal (Michael): The angel entrusted with rain and sustenance for creation.
• Enemy (ʿAdūw): One who harbors hostility, opposes, or rejects another.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse addresses a claim made by the Jews of Madinah, who said: "Gabriel is our enemy, for he brings down hardship and revelation that contradicts our desires, while Michael is our friend, for he brings rain and mercy." Allah refutes this false distinction by declaring that whoever is an enemy to Allah, His angels, His messengers—whether angels or humans—and specifically to the two honored angels Gabriel and Michael, then Allah Himself is the enemy of such disbelievers. The mention of Gabriel and Michael after the general reference to angels is a special emphasis on their high rank and to close the door on any attempt to divide loyalty among Allah's creation. The verse makes clear that enmity toward one of Allah's beloved servants is enmity toward Allah Himself, for they all act by His command and are united in His service. Whoever opposes them, opposes Allah, and whoever opposes Allah has certainly incurred loss and ruin, for none can stand against the might of the Almighty.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, ponder the profound unity of Allah's creation—angels, prophets, and believers all submit to one Lord. When you love Allah, you love what He loves and those He has honored. Do not let prejudice or false claims drive a wedge between you and the truth. The path of faith is one of harmony, not division. Open your heart to the Quran, which was delivered by the trusted spirit Gabriel to the final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and you will find peace in this life and salvation in the next. Allah is the Most Merciful, and He welcomes all who turn to Him sincerely.