The Prostration of the Angels & The Refusal of Iblis

The Angels Prostrate to Adam

From this salsal, Allah created Adam. He fashioned him with His own Hands, and breathed into him of His spirit. Adam opened his eyes, and all the angels — every single one — prostrated to him. All except Iblis.

Was Iblis actually one of the angels? The apparent answer is no. If he were an angel, he would not have disobeyed. Angels never disobey Allah in what He commands them. Iblis was created from fire, while angels are created from light. However, he was among the angels and was commanded to prostrate.

Iblis Refuses and Is Expelled

«قَالَ يَا إِبْلِيسُ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَن تَسْجُدَ لِمَا خَلَقْتُ بِيَدَيَّ أَسْتَكْبَرْتَ أَمْ كُنتَ مِنَ الْعَالِينَ»

"O Iblis, what prevented you from prostrating to that which I created with My Hands? Were you arrogant, or were you among the exalted?" (Sad 38:75)

Iblis replied with the logic of arrogance:

«قَالَ أَنَا خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِي مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُ مِن طِينٍ»

"I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay." (Sad 38:76)

Iblis Declares His Mission

Iblis was expelled and cursed. He asked for respite until the Day of Resurrection. Allah granted it. Then Iblis revealed his goal:

«لَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ × إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ الْمُخْلَصِينَ»

"I will surely mislead them all, except Your chosen servants among them." (Sad 38:82-83)

He admits he has no power over al-mukhlaseen — Allah's sincere servants. This is the lifeline and the key to salvation!

Allah declared: "I will surely fill Hell with you and those of them that follow you, all together." (Sad 38:85)

Key Vocabulary