وَإِنَّا لَنَحْنُ ٱلْمُسَبِّحُونَ 166
Translations
And indeed, we are those who exalt Allāh."
Transliteration
Wa-inna lana-hnu al-musabbihun
Tafsir (Explanation)
The angels declare with certainty that they are among those who glorify and praise Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) continuously. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah emphasizes the angels' constant state of glorification and devotion to Allah, establishing their role as worshippers who never cease in their remembrance of the Divine. This statement affirms the angels' absolute dedication to praising Allah and refutes any notion that they could associate partners with Him.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah As-Saffat, which depicts the ranks of angels and their obedience to Allah. The context involves the angels responding to accusations that they claimed to have children like humans do, and they are here asserting their true nature as pure worshippers devoted solely to glorifying Allah. The surah was revealed in Mecca and addresses the majesty of creation and divine order.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best remembrance is 'La ilaha illallah' (there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah)' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Whoever glorifies Allah (tasbeeh) thirty-three times, praises Him thirty-three times, and magnifies Him thirty-four times after each prayer, their sins will be forgiven' (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that constant glorification of Allah (tasbih) is the natural state of those closest to Him—the angels—and should inspire us to make remembrance of Allah a continuous practice in our lives. It teaches that true servitude to Allah means dedicating ourselves to His praise and worship, free from distractions and worldly concerns.