In Jewish, Christian, and Islamic literature, a celestial winged being with human, animal, or birdlike characteristics.
They are included among the angel s, and in the Hebrew scriptures they are described as the throne bearers of God. In Christianity and Islam they are celestial attendants of God and praise him continually. Known as karūbūn in Islam, they repeat "Glory to God" ceaselessly, and they dwell in a section of heaven inaccessible to attacks by the Devil. In art they are often depicted as winged infants. See also seraph .