فَإِذَا سَوَّيْتُهُۥ وَنَفَخْتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِى فَقَعُوا۟ لَهُۥ سَـٰجِدِينَ 72
Translations
So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration."
Transliteration
Fa-idha sawwaytuhu wa nafakhtu fihi min roohi fa-qoo'u lahu sajideen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's command to the angels to prostrate before Adam after He had perfected his creation and breathed into him of His spirit. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Allah honoring Adam with His direct creative touch, making the angels' prostration an act of respect and obedience to Allah's command, not worship of Adam. The phrase 'min roohi' (from My spirit) indicates the special honor and superiority given to mankind through intellect, will, and noble attributes.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative in Surah Sad (verses 71-85) that recounts the story of Adam's creation and the angels' prostration before him. This narrative serves as context for understanding Iblis's refusal to obey Allah's command and his subsequent arrogance and expulsion, establishing the theme of obedience to divine command versus rebellion throughout the surah.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim reports that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'When Allah created Adam, He said to the angels, "Go and greet him." So they greeted him saying, "Peace be upon you." He replied, "And upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah."' This hadith relates to the honor bestowed upon Adam and the angels' recognition of his special status.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that true honor comes from fulfilling our divine purpose and receiving Allah's special favor through righteousness and obedience. It reminds us that while humans have been honored with intellect and free will, we must recognize Allah's supreme authority and submit to His commands, unlike Iblis who allowed arrogance to lead him astray.