قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰغِرِينَ 13
Translations
[Allāh] said, "Descend from it [i.e., Paradise], for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased."
Transliteration
Qala fahabbit minha fama yakonu laka an tatakabbara fiha fakhruj innaka mina as-saghirin
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands Iblis to descend from Paradise, declaring that arrogance has no place therein and commanding him to exit, for he has become among the humiliated and disgraced. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this ayah marks the decisive moment when Iblis's rebellion against Allah's command to prostrate to Adam sealed his eternal punishment, demonstrating that disobedience rooted in pride leads to disgrace regardless of one's previous status.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative in Surah Al-A'raf (verses 11-18) recounting the story of Iblis's disobedience and expulsion from mercy. It occurs after Iblis refuses to obey Allah's command to prostrate before Adam, claiming superiority due to his creation from fire. The context illustrates the consequences of arrogance and rejection of divine command.
Related Hadiths
The Quran itself provides the primary source, but this narrative is complemented by the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) stated: 'Do not be arrogant, for no one will enter Paradise with arrogance in their heart.' This reflects the principle established through Iblis's expulsion.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that arrogance and the refusal to obey Allah's commands, regardless of one's former status or accomplishments, leads to disgrace and separation from divine mercy. Even the slightest pride that prevents submission to Allah's will can result in spiritual destruction, serving as a timeless warning for believers to cultivate humility and absolute obedience.