Angels in Islam

This book appears to be based on S.R. Burge’s doctoral thesis from the University of Edinburgh, under Professor Carole Hillenbrand. It starts with a two-part introductory section, broken down into 6 chapters, comprising a thorough analysis of the historical and cultural background of al-Suyuti’s book, its target readership (students and general readers) and contents. This is followed by a translation of most of the ahadith it contains, an appendix summarising those not translated, a particularly helpful appendix listing ‘Named sources of hadith in al-Haba’ik’ in chronological order by century; notes, bibliography (pp. 284-382) and four short indices (Qur’anic references; Bible, Talmud Pseudoepigraphia and Apocrypha; Medieval Muslim Authors, and Names and Subjects). What Burge’s book does not contain, however, is a translation of the theological section (khatimah) of al-Suyuti’s book, mentioned on p. 27 as being ‘more aimed towards students’, which would perhaps have been interesting in providing some insight into al-Suyuti’s thoughts about the ahadith contained in this collection.