What is the ruling on likening women to angels, and is it permissible to justify that by claiming the likeness is metaphorical or a poetic allusion?
It is not permissible to describe a girl as an angel or as resembling an angel, as this constitutes an imitation of the polytheists who described angels as females, as stated in the verse: (And they made the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned) Al-Zukhruf/19. Sheikh Bakr Abu Zayd mentioned that naming women with names of angels such as "Malak" (angel) or "Malikah" (queen) is forbidden, because it imitates the polytheists. Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen also prohibited naming with "Malak." The matter becomes even worse if this description is used in forbidden amorous poetry. Angels must be held in reverence; they are honored servants who do not disobey Allah.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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