ٱلَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ ٱلْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُۥ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ رَّحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا فَٱغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا۟ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ ٱلْجَحِيمِ 7
Translations
Those [angels] who carry the Throne and those around it exalt [Allāh] with praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed, [saying], "Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire.
Transliteration
Alladhīna yaḥmilūna al-'arsha wa-man ḥawlahu yusabbīḥūna bi-ḥamdi Rabbihim wa-yu'minūna bihi wa-yastaghfirūna lilladhīna āmanū Rabbanā wasi'ta kulla shay'in raḥmatan wa-'ilman faghfir lilladhīna tābū wa-ttaba'ū sabīlaka wa-qihim 'adhāba al-jaḥīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the angels who carry the Throne of Allah and those around it constantly glorifying Him with praise, believing in Him, and seeking forgiveness for the believers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these angels intercede for the believers, praying that Allah forgive those who repent and follow His path and protect them from the punishment of Hell. The supplication reflects the angels' knowledge of Allah's infinite mercy and wisdom, emphasizing that true faith must be accompanied by repentance and obedience to Allah's guidance.
Revelation Context
Surah Ghafir (Meccan) was revealed to address the polytheists of Mecca and strengthen the hearts of believers facing persecution. This particular ayah, appearing early in the surah, establishes the theme of Allah's forgiveness and His support through the heavenly realm, assuring believers that even the angels pray for their salvation and that Allah's mercy encompasses all things.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Related thematically is: 'Whoever asks forgiveness for the believers, the angels say: Amen, and for you as well' (various sources indicating the reward of intercession for others).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that seeking forgiveness for one another and maintaining hope in Allah's boundless mercy are fundamental acts of faith. It reminds us that turning to Allah in repentance and steadfastly following His path are the keys to salvation, while inspiring confidence that even the celestial beings pray for the success of the faithful.