AZRAEL
Religious Folklore
Angel of Death
Also Known as Azra’il or Izra’il
This is that name of an Archangel in Judeo-Christian texts and chief angel in Koran. He is the Angel of death and is also known as Azra’il or Izra’il. AZRAEL is mentioned in very early Jewish mythology and is described as having a terrifying appearance, his feet being on the edge of the world while his head towers above heaven. His numerous eyes see all, but is said to close as a mortal dies. Ultimately only four eyes, representing the Thrones of God will remain open and AZRAEL will be the last to expire on Judgment Day.
AZRAEL is charged with collecting the souls from each dying mortal; in a white silk cloth or the faithful, and in a rag for those destine for hell. He knows where the souls are that are about to depart, as he receives the names of those who are dying for each day.
A Tunisian tradition tells how humans were originally almost immortal, living for centuries. One who became weary of continuous life after 500 years requested that her life be ceased; Allah instructed AZRAEL to gather the soul henceforth after the allotted three score years and ten (70).
Source: Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins Encyclopedia