إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ ٱسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ 74
Translations
Except Iblees; he was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.
Transliteration
Illa iblis istakbara wa kana min al-kafireen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Iblis (Satan) as the exception to Allah's command for the angels to prostrate before Adam. Ibn Kathir explains that Iblis refused out of arrogance (istikbar), considering himself superior to Adam due to his creation from fire, whereas Adam was created from clay. Al-Qurtubi notes that this refusal marked Iblis's transformation from obedience to disbelief (kufr), making him among those who reject Allah's commands and deny His wisdom in creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Sad's narrative of Adam's creation and the angels' prostration, a foundational account in Islamic theology. The broader context (38:71-85) describes how Allah created Adam, commanded the angels to prostrate, and how Iblis alone refused—establishing the theological origin of Satan's rebellion and enmity toward humanity.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said Iblis was among the jinn and disobeyed the command of his Lord. Additionally, a hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah describes how Iblis's arrogance ('ujub) and refusal to obey Allah's direct command led to his expulsion from Allah's mercy.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that arrogance toward Allah's commands is the root of spiritual ruin and disbelief, regardless of one's perceived status or intellect. For believers, it serves as a warning to maintain humility and instant obedience to Allah's guidance, lest pride blind us to truth as it blinded Iblis.