سَبَّحَ لِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ 1
Translations
Whatever is in the heavens and earth exalts Allāh, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
Transliteration
Sabbaha lillahi ma fi as-samawati wal-ard, wa huwa al-Azizu al-Hakim
Tafsir (Explanation)
This opening ayah of Surah Al-Hadid declares that all creation in the heavens and earth glorifies and praises Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, every creature—whether visible or invisible—testifies to Allah's oneness through its existence and functionality. The ayah emphasizes that Allah is Al-Azeez (the Mighty, the Invincible) and Al-Hakeem (the All-Wise), indicating that this universal glorification occurs under His perfect knowledge and irresistible power.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Medina during the later Islamic period and addresses believers during times of conflict and social upheaval. The opening ayah sets a foundational theme for the surah: reminding Muslims of Allah's absolute sovereignty and the transient nature of worldly life, encouraging them to prioritize the Hereafter and spend in Allah's cause.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need, and the best knowledge is that which benefits,' which relates to the surah's emphasis on spending and prioritizing eternal values. Additionally, Surah As-Sajdah (32:15) and similar ayahs about creation glorifying Allah reinforce this theme throughout the Quran.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to recognize that all of creation naturally submits to and glorifies Allah, encouraging us to consciously align our actions and hearts with this universal truth. It reminds us that in the presence of Allah's infinite power and wisdom, our worldly concerns should be diminished, and our focus should be on spiritual growth and obedience.