How can the lack of description of angels as having masculinity or femininity be reconciled with the noble verse, "And that Allah created pairs of all things"?
The exegetes differed regarding the interpretation of Allah's saying: ﴿And We created pairs of all things that you may remember.﴾ [Adh-Dhariyat: 49] There are two opinions:
The first: That what is meant by "pairs" is a reference to opposites and counterparts among creations (such as male and female, heaven and earth, night and day). This is the opinion of Mujahid and Al-Hasan.
The second: That what is meant by "pairs" is male and female only. This is the opinion of Abdur-Rahman ibn Zayd.
Ibn Jarir and many exegetes preferred the first opinion, which states that Allah Almighty created for everything a second counterpart differing from it in meaning, and each of them is a pair to the other. This indicates Allah's power to create whatever He wills. In this context, the verse includes angels as all other creations, as Allah created angels and devils. As for the less preferred opinion, the verse does not include angels, and what is meant by His saying: ﴿And We created pairs of all things﴾ is: from everything that accepts that.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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