Angels, God’s Presence, and "Vessels" - Islamic Perspective, assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum. I’ve been wondering about similar ideas in Islam - like this notion in Christianity and Judaism of angels or God “coming down” and using people as vessels. Does Islam have anything like that? From what I understand: in Islam angels can appear to people in different forms - for example the Prophet ﷺ met Jibril in different appearances. But the basic Islamic belief is that Allah is transcendent and unlike His creation. Allah doesn’t become a human or “descend” as a person. We affirm His closeness to us in a way befitting His majesty, but without likening Him to creatures. There is the concept of Allah’s mercy and help coming near: the Qur’an says He is closer to us than the jugular vein (Surah Qaf 50:16), which scholars explain as meaning His knowledge, power, and care are intimately close - not physical proximity or incarnation. Also there are verses that mention angels “descending” at times of mercy and divine decree - this is about angels carrying out Allah’s commands, not God taking a human form. So to sum up: Islam accepts angels appearing in different ways and Allah’s nearness in terms of knowledge and support, but it rejects the idea that Allah became a human or literally inhabited a person as a vessel. Hope that helps - may Allah increase our understanding.