إِنَّا سَخَّرْنَا ٱلْجِبَالَ مَعَهُۥ يُسَبِّحْنَ بِٱلْعَشِىِّ وَٱلْإِشْرَاقِ 18
Translations
Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Allāh] in the [late] afternoon and [after] sunrise.
Transliteration
Inna sakhkharna al-jibala ma'ahu yusabbihuna bil-'ashi wa al-ishraq
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Prophet Dawood (David) and affirms that Allah had subjected the mountains to glorify and praise Allah alongside him during the evening and morning hours. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as either the mountains physically responding to Dawood's glorification through echoing his praises, or as a manifestation of Allah's divine power wherein creation joins in worship. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of tasbih (glorification) throughout creation, with even inanimate objects participating in the remembrance of Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Sad, which recounts stories of various prophets and their steadfastness. The mention of Dawood and the mountains follows the theme of how Allah granted him special favors and knowledge. The surah emphasizes divine wisdom and the obedience of creation to Allah's commands, fitting within the broader Meccan period's focus on Allah's majesty and uniqueness.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that stones and trees glorify Allah supports the concept of universal tasbih. Additionally, Tirmidhi reports the Prophet saying that everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah, though we may not understand their glorification.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that all of creation participates in the remembrance of Allah, inviting us to join in constant glorification and recognition of His sovereignty, and teaching that nearness to Allah (as Dawood exemplified) allows one to perceive the divine signs in all creation.