إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ مَعَ ٱلسَّـٰجِدِينَ 31
Translations
Except Iblees; he refused to be with those who prostrated.
Transliteration
Illa Iblis aba an yakuna ma'a as-sajideen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the moment when Allah commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam, and all obeyed except Iblis (Satan), who refused out of arrogance and pride. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Iblis's refusal to obey Allah's command was the first act of disobedience and marked his rejection from Allah's mercy, establishing the foundation for his subsequent enmity toward mankind. This refusal demonstrates that knowledge and position (Iblis was among the angels) do not prevent one from falling into sin when pride overtakes obedience to the Divine.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Hijr (a Meccan surah), which discusses the creation of Adam and the command to the angels to prostrate before him. The broader narrative in verses 28-44 explains Adam's superiority through his intellect and knowledge, contrasting it with Iblis's arrogance. This passage was revealed to establish the reality of Satan's rebellion and to warn the believers about his nature as their enemy.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim 2879: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that when Allah created Adam, He commanded the angels to prostrate before him, and they all obeyed except Iblis. Also relevant is Sunan Ibn Majah 4175, which discusses the creation of Iblis from fire and how this nature led to his disobedience, contrasting with the angels created from light.
Themes
Key Lesson
Pride and arrogance are the roots of disobedience and separation from Allah's mercy, regardless of one's knowledge or position; believers must be vigilant against these traits within themselves and remember that Satan's refusal stemmed from his belief in his own superiority, a warning against the spiritual dangers of ego.