During Muhammad’s Night journey, he meets Mikai’l who greets him fondly, but is sorrowful.

When Muhammad asks Jibrai’il about Mikai’l, his guide responds that Mikai’l has not smiled since hell was created.

Mikai’l therefore shares attributes with Israfil (crying) and with Malik (unsmiling)

Contrary to the Michael persona as a warrior of God, Mika’il reflects God’s majesty and mercy.

While it is said the angel joined Jibrai’l in fighting alongside the Believers during the battle of Badr, Mikai’l is not a war-like being

In Islamic cosmology, there is no lesser force opposing heaven, rather all the cosmos fall under the domain of God.

Nor are the angels matched in power or might by demons or jinn.

It is said when Adam died, Mikai’l joined the other angels in washing and wrapping the body in the burial shroud, and stood behind Jibrai’l in the funerary prayers.

In esoteric circles, Mikai’l is associated with Mercury and guardian of one of the Names of God.

The angel is often invoked by jinn-binders to restrain the powers of the King Barqan.

Mikai’ls name also appears in magic squares and talismans of protection usually alongside the names of Jibr’ail, Israfil, and Azra’il

We shall continue our journey into the archangels of Islam next week.