وَٱلصَّـٰٓفَّـٰتِ صَفًّا 1
Translations
By those [angels] lined up in rows
Transliteration
Wa-al-saffati saffan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah opens Surah As-Saffat with an oath by Allah swearing by the angels who line up in rows and ranks. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as referring to the angels arranged in perfect formation for worship and obedience to Allah's commands. The oath establishes the credibility of what follows regarding the Day of Judgment and divine justice.
Revelation Context
This Meccan surah was revealed during the early Meccan period to strengthen the faith of believers facing persecution and to establish belief in the Day of Judgment. The opening oath sets a solemn tone for the surah's central themes of resurrection, accountability, and the certainty of Allah's judgment.
Related Hadiths
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The angels stand in rows just as you stand in rows for prayer.' (Sahih Muslim 432). This hadith directly relates to the angels' perfect arrangement mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us of the unseen realm of angels who worship Allah in perfect obedience and order, encouraging believers to reflect on their own submission to Allah's will and to maintain discipline and devotion in their spiritual practices.