Why Do Angels Bear Hebrew, English, and Arabic Names—And Not African Names?

Angels are celestial beings revered across multiple religious traditions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Despite differences in theological perspectives, these religions often describe the same angels by names that vary depending on the linguistic and cultural contexts of the scriptures and traditions. But why do angels bear Hebrew, English, and Arabic names—and not African names? The answer lies in religious colonialism and cultural brainwashing.

Religious Colonialism and the Erasure of African Spiritual Identity

The absence of African names for angels is a reflection of a broader historical and psychological phenomenon:

1. The Erasure of African Spiritual Identity
   • Before the spread of Christianity and Islam, African societies had their own deeply rooted spiritual traditions, complete with divine messengers and celestial beings. However, these spiritual figures were either erased or demonized as “pagan” by foreign religions.
2. Religious Indoctrination Through Colonization
   • With the arrival of European and Arab colonizers, African belief systems were systematically suppressed. Africans were forced or coerced into adopting foreign religious narratives, making them see their own spiritual heritage as inferior or even demonic.
3. The Power of Written Religious Texts
   • Unlike the oral traditions of African spirituality, Abrahamic religions had well-documented scriptures such as the Bible and Quran. The dominance of written texts reinforced the legitimacy of Hebrew, Arabic, and English religious figures while marginalizing African ones.
4. Psychological Conditioning and Cultural Subjugation
   • Over time, Africans internalized the idea that spiritual authority could only come from outside the continent. This conditioning made it easier for people to unquestioningly accept Hebrew, English, and Arabic names for angels while neglecting their own ancestral divine figures.

Igala Resistance Against Colonial Religious Imposition

One of the real-life examples of African resistance to religious colonialism can be seen in the Igala people’s struggle against European invaders. The Igala Kingdom, known for its rich spiritual traditions and warrior heritage, fiercely resisted attempts by British colonial forces to impose Christianity as a means to seize land and control the people.

When British missionaries and colonial administrators arrived in Igala land, they did not come merely to preach Christianity but to use religion as a tool to weaken local resistance. They offered incentives to those who accepted foreign religions while branding traditionalists as “heathens.” The Attah of Igala and his chiefs resisted this manipulation, recognizing that the so-called “gospel of peace” was a smokescreen for land grabbing and political domination.

Igala warriors engaged in battles to defend their land and traditions. However, the British, armed with superior weaponry and legal frameworks designed to displace indigenous rulers, eventually imposed their control. The new religious system discouraged the use of Igala spiritual names, replacing them with English and biblical names. Over generations, many Igala people abandoned their native names in favor of foreign ones, seeing them as symbols of progress and enlightenment.

The Modern Shift: Africans Abandoning Their Own Names

Today, many Africans prefer to bear English, Arabic, and Hebrew names instead of their own indigenous names. This shift is not accidental but a direct consequence of centuries of psychological conditioning:

• Colonial and Religious Influence: Many African parents name their children after biblical figures like “Michael,” “Gabriel,” or “Mary” because they believe these names carry divine favor.
• Perceived Social Superiority: Having an English or Arabic name is often seen as more prestigious or respectable than an indigenous African name.
• Erasure of Indigenous Identity: Many Africans believe that traditional names are outdated or carry negative spiritual connotations, a belief planted by colonial and religious influences.

Reclaiming African Spirituality and Identity

It is time to challenge the legacy of religious colonialism and embrace African spiritual identity. African cultures had their own divine messengers—why aren’t their names known today? By recognizing and reclaiming these lost traditions, Africans can reconnect with their true spiritual heritage. The question remains: if angels can have Hebrew, Arabic, and English names, why not Igala, Yoruba, Igbo, Zulu, or Hausa names?