Harut and Marut; They are two angels mentioned in the Qur’an and in many pre-Islamic religions. The story of Harut and Marut, which is also mentioned in the 102nd and 103rd verses of Surat al-Baqara in the Qur’an, is explained in detail in history and tafsir books. Hz. The slanders against Solomon are told through the story of Harut and Marut. Since Harut and Marut are not described in detail in the Qur’an, there is no clear information about them. But Hz. The majority of Islamic scholars agree that they were two people who taught magic to the people living in Babylon during the reign of Solomon. There are differences of opinion on whether these two people who teach magic are Angels or Satans, leading to debates.
The story of Harut and Marut mentioned in many pre-Islamic sources; It takes place in Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Jewish and Christian religions, Persian mythology. These two angels, along with the other four angels, passed from Zoroastrianism to Judaism and then from Christianity to Islam. While described as a spiritual figure in Persian mythology, they are two divine names that Armenians worshiped in the pre-Christian era. In some Christian and Jewish sources, they are called the fallen Angels of Babylon. In some parts of the Zoroastrian holy book, the Avesta, God Ahura MazdaHe is one of the countless angels who are with him and take orders from him.
Reason for Sending Harut and Marut
Hz. Solomon, as a religious leader and preacher in Judaism; As legislator and king in Christianity; In Islam, he is regarded as a Prophet. The Prophet mentioned in 16 places in the Quran. Solomon, Mr. He is the son of David. Like his father, he became a ruler first and then a prophet. Hz. During the time of Solomon’s prophecy, magic was common among Jews. For this reason, Hz. It was believed that Solomon was a great magician, that he achieved the rulership with magic, and that he ruled animals and jinn with magic. People’s St. In order to understand Solomon’s miracles, he must know the difference between magic and miracles and what magic is.
Harut and Marut are two angels sent by God to Babylon to teach people magic. They warned those who wanted to learn magic by saying that the answer was Hell, but they taught it to those who accepted it. When Harut and Marut were sent, magicians multiplied and claimed to be prophets. For this reason, Allah wanted people to recognize these liars who claim to be prophets. At the same time, he sent these two angels to test people. However, by accepting Hell, people cast spells taught by two angels, Harut and Marut, and cursed themselves forever.
The interpretation of the verse on this subject in the Qur’an is as follows;
“About the reign of Solomon, they followed what the devils made up. However, Solomon did not become a disbeliever (by doing magic). But the devils became disbelievers. Because they were teaching people about magic and what was revealed to the two angels named Harut and Marut in Babylon. However, those two angels said to everyone, “We were sent only for testing. Do not believe wrongly and become unbelievers!” they would not teach anyone (the science of magic) without saying it. They were learning from those two angels the things that would make a difference between husband and wife. However, sorcerers cannot harm anyone without Allah’s permission. They learn what harms them, not what benefits them. They know very well that those who buy magic (who believe in it and give money) have no share in the Hereafter. How evil is what they sell themselves for! I wish they understood that!” (al-Baqara, 102)
The Story of Harut and Marut
These two angels, named Harut and Marut, saw the bad habits of these people and that they were liars. They said to Allah, “We are better than them, why do you put them above us, if we had feelings instead of people, we would always worship.” Allah told these two angels that humans have souls, and then he said that I will give you a soul, and if you commit sins, I will punish you as well. Harut and Marut also accepted this and were sent down to the world.
But because they both have souls, they committed many sins and were punished in the end. As punishment, they were hung upside down in a cave on earth until the end of time. At the same time, they will continue to teach magic to those who accept Hell until the Day of Judgment in order to complete the task given by Allah. old sources; He says that the cave where Harut and Marut were hanging was somewhere near Damascus. However, the sorcerers, who cast large-scale spells and are informed by the demons, can go to that cave and obtain information from Harut and Marut. In some sources, the stories of people who went to this cave and learned spells are told.
