فَإِنِ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فَٱلَّذِينَ عِندَ رَبِّكَ يُسَبِّحُونَ لَهُۥ بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْـَٔمُونَ ۩ 38
Translations
But if they are arrogant - then those who are near your Lord [i.e., the angels] exalt Him by night and by day, and they do not become weary.
Transliteration
Fa-in istakbaru fa-alladhina 'inda rabbika yusabbihuna lahu bi-al-layli wa-al-nahara wa-hum la yasa'amun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah responds to human arrogance and rejection of divine signs by contrasting it with the constant glorification of Allah by the angels and creation near His throne. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that while disbelievers grow weary and turn away from remembrance of Allah, the celestial beings never tire in their perpetual tasbih (glorification). The ayah emphasizes Allah's absolute transcendence and the futility of human pride against the backdrop of universal obedience to the Divine.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes Surah Fussilat, which was revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period when the Quraysh were rejecting the message despite clear signs. The surah addresses those who turn away from the signs of Allah, and this final ayah serves as a reminder that rejection by humans does not diminish Allah's majesty, as creation continuously celebrates His glory.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (hadith on the angels' worship): The Prophet ﷺ described the angels in the heavens perpetually glorifying Allah. Also relevant: Muslim 222, where Abu Hurairah reports the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that angels worship Allah day and night without fatigue.
Themes
Key Lesson
Human arrogance and rejection cannot diminish Allah's perfection or diminish the endless praise offered by creation. Believers should recognize their weakness and emulate the steadfastness of the angels in their worship, never growing weary in remembrance of Allah despite worldly fatigue.