قَالَ لَمْ أَكُن لِّأَسْجُدَ لِبَشَرٍ خَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن صَلْصَـٰلٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ 33
Translations
He said, "Never would I prostrate to a human whom You created out of clay from an altered black mud."
Transliteration
Qala lam akun li-asjuda li-basharun khalaqtahu min salsalin min hama'in masnun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This is Iblis's arrogant refusal to prostrate before Adam, declaring that he will not bow to a human created from clay (salsál) mixed with foul-smelling mud (hamá'). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Iblis's refusal was rooted in pride and racism, claiming his own creation from fire made him superior to Adam. This moment marks Iblis's transgression and his rejection of Allah's command, which became the foundation for his enmity toward humanity throughout creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the narrative of Adam's creation and Allah's command to the angels to prostrate before him (15:28-44). The context describes how Allah created Adam, breathed His Spirit into him, and commanded the angels to bow—all obeyed except Iblis, whose disobedience resulted in his expulsion from mercy. This Meccan surah establishes the cosmic conflict between humanity and Iblis that would shape human history.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim (2813): The Prophet Muhammad explained that humans were created from clay ('tin), while jinn (Iblis's kind) were created from fire, and this difference formed the basis of Iblis's arrogance and refusal. Also relevant is the hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah regarding how Iblis is from the jinn, not the angels, making his presence among them a trial.
Themes
Key Lesson
Arrogance and racial/categorical superiority are grave spiritual diseases that lead to destruction, as exemplified by Iblis's refusal. This ayah teaches that true honor comes from obedience to Allah and humility, not from boasting about one's origins or nature.