Harut

Harut and Marut

Harut and Marut are a pair of angels prominently mentioned in the Quran, specifically in Surah 2:102. Their narrative is a significant element within Islamic theology and exegesis, primarily revolving around their role in teaching the arts of sorcery (siḥr) in ancient Babylon.

Quranic Account and Exegesis

The Quranic verse states that sorcery was taught to people through what was revealed to Harut and Marut. According to classical Quranic exegesis (tafsīr), a common understanding is that these angels complained about the wickedness of humankind. In response, God sent them to Earth, endowed with human desires, to demonstrate that they too would struggle with obedience and to test humanity.

This interpretation posits that Harut and Marut committed various transgressions, including idolatry, drinking alcohol, and murder, after which they were unable to ascend back to heaven. Offered a choice between punishment on Earth or in the Hereafter, they chose the former, leading to their presence in Babylon teaching magic, but with a warning that they were a trial.

Theological Disputes

The story of Harut and Marut has been a source of theological debate among Muslim scholars. A central point of contention is the infallibility of angels. While many early commentators and a majority of scholars accept the narrative of their sins and subsequent punishment, some later theologians, particularly philosophers, argue that angels, being pure beings created for devotion, cannot commit sins. These scholars often reinterpret the Quranic verse or suggest that Harut and Marut were not angels but rather human kings who learned sorcery from devils.

Alternative readings of the Quranic verse exist. One interpretation, attributed to Hasan al-Basri, suggests that Harut and Marut were "two kings" (malikayn) rather than angels (malakayn). Another reading by Ibn Abbas interprets a word in the verse as "not" rather than "what," implying that devils taught sorcery and not what was sent down to the two angels. However, the most prevalent view in classical exegesis regards them as angels.

Connections and Origins

Harut and Marut are sometimes linked to the angels mentioned in Surah 2:30 who questioned God's decision to create Adam. In this context, their mission to Earth is seen as a means for God to demonstrate the unique qualities and capabilities of humans to the protesting angels. Some scholars also trace potential etymological links to Zoroastrian Amesha Spentas (Haurvatat and Ameretat) and parallels to stories of fallen angels in Jewish traditions, such as the Watchers in Second Temple literature. However, the specific narrative and its theological implications are largely considered unique to Islamic tradition.

Sufi Interpretations

Within Sufism, figures like Ibn Arabi have offered metaphorical interpretations of the Harut and Marut story. In this view, the "sorcery" taught by the angels represents the "theoretical" and "practical" intellect that can veil the soul from God's light, symbolized by their ability to cause separation between a husband and wife. Rumi, in his Masnavi, uses the story to caution believers against self-righteousness and criticizing others, highlighting that even those who appear pious can be blind to their own pride and failings.