قَالَ يَـٰٓإِبْلِيسُ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَن تَسْجُدَ لِمَا خَلَقْتُ بِيَدَىَّ ۖ أَسْتَكْبَرْتَ أَمْ كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلْعَالِينَ 75
Translations
[Allāh] said, "O Iblees, what prevented you from prostrating to that which I created with My hands? Were you arrogant [then], or were you [already] among the haughty?"
Transliteration
Qala ya iblis ma manaaka an tasjuda lima khalaqtu bi-yadayya a-stakbarta am kunta min al-'alīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses Iblis (Satan) directly, asking what prevented him from prostrating to Adam, whom Allah created with His own hands. The phrase 'by My hands' emphasizes Allah's direct creative power and the honor bestowed upon Adam. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Allah presenting two possible explanations for Iblis's refusal: either arrogance (istikbar) or a false sense of superiority based on his claim to be among the exalted beings (al-'ālīn), highlighting that his disobedience stemmed from pride rather than any legitimate reason.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the Meccan surah of Sad, which recounts the story of Iblis's refusal to prostrate to Adam and his subsequent expulsion from Allah's mercy. The broader context of verses 71-85 presents this narrative as a warning against arrogance and disobedience to Allah's commands. While this is not a historical event requiring asbab al-nuzul in the traditional sense, it serves as a timeless lesson revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) about the dangers of pride.
Related Hadiths
The story of Iblis's refusal is referenced in the hadith from Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) explains that Iblis was from the jinn and was commanded to obey like the angels, but he disobeyed out of arrogance. Additionally, Tirmidhi records a hadith emphasizing that arrogance (kibr) prevents entry into Paradise.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that arrogance is the root cause of disobedience and destruction, demonstrated by Iblis's refusal to obey a direct command from Allah. For modern believers, it serves as a powerful reminder to guard against pride in our hearts, recognize Allah's supreme authority, and humble ourselves before His commands, regardless of our status or perceived superiority.