«The Possibility of Repentance for Fallen Angels: A Comparative Study of Christian and Islamic Perspectives»

Summary of the Article Title: The Possibility of Repentance for Fallen Angels: A Comparative Study of Christian and Islamic Perspectives This article explores the theological question of whether fallen angels—such as Lucifer in Christianity and Iblis in Islam—can repent after their disobedience to God. Through a comparative analysis of Christian and Islamic perspectives, the article examines sacred texts, theological doctrines, and philosophical interpretations to assess the possibility or impossibility of repentance for these spiritual beings. In Christian theology, particularly within the Catholic tradition, fallen angels are seen as beings with complete knowledge and free will who made a permanent, conscious choice to rebel. As a result, their fall is considered irreversible, and repentance is deemed impossible. This view is based on doctrines from Church Fathers like Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, and it emphasizes divine justice over mercy in the case of angels. In Islamic theology, Iblis is considered a jinn rather than an angel, which introduces key theological differences. While mainstream Sunni and Shia scholars generally agree that Iblis’s repentance is not accepted due to his pride and continued defiance, Islamic theology does not categorically deny the theoretical possibility of his repentance. Some mystical and philosophical traditions (such as those of Ibn Arabi and Mulla Sadra) present alternative views that highlight the vastness of divine mercy and suggest that even Iblis is not entirely outside its reach. The article identifies key similarities between the two traditions, including beliefs in free will, the central role of pride in the fall, and the eternal consequences of spiritual disobedience. However, it also highlights important differences, such as the nature of Satan/Iblis, the scope of divine mercy, and how justice and mercy interplay in each tradition. The paper concludes that while Christian theology firmly rejects the possibility of repentance for fallen angels, Islamic thought—especially in its mystical and philosophical branches—leaves room for theoretical debate and hope in divine mercy, though repentance by Iblis is still considered highly unlikely.