وَمَا مِنَّآ إِلَّا لَهُۥ مَقَامٌ مَّعْلُومٌ 164
Translations
[The angels say], "There is not among us any except that he has a known position.
Transliteration
Wa mā minnā illā lahu maqāmun ma'lūm
Tafsir (Explanation)
The angels declare that each of them has a known and appointed station or rank in the heavens assigned by Allah. This ayah emphasizes the divine order and hierarchy among the angels, where every creature has a specific role and purpose determined by Allah's infinite wisdom. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this as a testament to the perfect organization of creation and the obedience of the angels to their designated duties.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah As-Saffat's depiction of the angels ranged in ranks, glorifying Allah. The surah opens with oaths regarding angels arranged in ranks (As-Saffat 37:1), and this ayah directly expresses the angels' own affirmation of their ordered positions in service to the Almighty. It reinforces the theme of cosmic hierarchy and divine governance established at the surah's beginning.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3207) describes how angels are arranged in rows (safūf) in heaven, demonstrating their ordered ranks. Additionally, the hadith about the Prophet's night journey mentions the different levels of heaven with angels stationed at each level, relating to the concept of maqāmāt (stations).
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as each angel has a divinely appointed station and purpose in serving Allah, every human being is created with a specific role and potential in this life. Understanding that our positions and responsibilities are part of Allah's greater plan should instill in us a sense of dignity, purpose, and encouragement to fulfill our duties with excellence and dedication.