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One of the most pleasing modifications of the belief in the Angel of Death is that found by Lepsius [208] among…

Date of account: Published 1879
Source: Demonology and Devil-lore
Reference: Demonology and Devil-lore · selected passage 189
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

One of the most pleasing modifications of the belief in the Angel of Death is that found by Lepsius [208] among the Mohammedan negroes of Kordofan

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One of the most pleasing modifications of the belief in the Angel of Death is that found by Lepsius [208] among the Mohammedan negroes of Kordofan. Osraîn (Azraël), it is said, receives the souls of the dead, and leads the good to their reward, the bad to punishment. 'He lives in a tree, el segerat mohana (the tree of fulfilling), which has as many leaves as there are inhabitants in the world. On each leaf is a name, and when a child is born a new one grows. If any one becomes ill his leaf fades, and should he be destined to die, Osraîn breaks it off. Formerly he used to come visibly to those whom he was going to carry away, and thus put them in great terror. Since the prophet's time, however, he has become invisible; for when he came to fetch Mohammed's soul he told him that it was not good that by his visible appearance he should frighten mankind. They might then easily die of terror, before praying; for he himself, although a courageous and spirited man, was somewhat perturbed at his appearance. Therefore the prophet begged God to make Osraîn invisible, which prayer was granted.' Mr.

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Modern context

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