Archangel Ridwan

Ridwan means "pleased." Other spellings include Ridvan, Rizwan, Rizvan, Riduan, and Redouane. The angel Ridwan is known as the angel of paradise in Islam. Muslims recognize Ridwan as an archangel. Ridwan is in charge of maintaining Jannah (paradise or heaven). People sometimes ask for Ridwan's help to be faithful to Allah (God) and his teachings, in the hope that they will earn a place in paradise.

Symbols

In art, Ridwan has often depicted either standing in heavenly clouds or in a gorgeous garden, both of which represent paradise that he guards. His energy color is green.

Ridwan in Religious Texts

The Hadith, a collection of Muslim commentaries on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, mentions Ridwan as the angel who guards paradise. Islam's main holy book, the Qur'an, describes in chapter 13 (a-Ra'd) verses 23 and 24 how the angels that Ridwan leads in paradise will welcome believers as they arrive:

"Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation): 'Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!'"