Surah As-Saffat 37:79
سُورَةُ الصَّافَّاتِ · Meccan · Verse 79 of 182
سَلَٰمٌ عَلَىٰ نُوحٍۢ فِى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Translation
‘Peace be upon Noah among all the nations!’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This beautiful verse is a profound declaration from Allah, establishing a lasting honor and blessing for Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him). It follows the powerful narration of Nuh's plea, Allah's magnificent response, His rescue of Nuh and his family, and the wiping out of the disbelievers. The tone is one of ultimate commendation and a divine promise of eternal good remembrance.
The Great Peace
The verse begins with the word سَلَٰمٌ (Salam), which literally means "peace" or "safety." However, its placement here, especially with the indefinite ending (tanwin), carries a much deeper meaning. Ibn Ashur notes that this *tanwin* is for *ta'dhim*, indicating a profound and magnificent peace. It's not just a casual greeting, but an "initiation of praise and a greeting" from Allah Himself, signifying His "approval and nearness" to Nuh. Al-Zamakhshari explains that it means people will send peace upon him and supplicate for him. This *Salam* encompasses not only safety from harm and ill-repute, but also a divine commendation that elevates Nuh's status.
Upon Nuh
The phrase عَلَىٰ نُوحٍۢ (upon Nuh) clearly designates the recipient of this immense honor. After all the suffering and perseverance Nuh endured for Allah's sake, being directly named in such a blessed manner is a testament to his unique position.
Among the Worlds
The closing phrase, فِى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ (fil-ʿālamīn), truly elevates the significance of this peace. *Al-ʿālamīn* means "the worlds" or "all of creation." Scholars like Al-Zamakhshari and Al-Razi explain that this implies a universal and perpetual blessing. It's "a supplication for the establishment of this greeting among all of them," meaning "angels, jinn, and mankind, all of them send peace upon him." Ibn Ashur further highlights that this phrase, "among the worlds," is uniquely added for Nuh in this Surah, unlike the greetings to other prophets. This specific wording emphasizes that Nuh's legacy of commendation is "universal" and "enduring" across all nations and generations, because all humanity after the flood descends from him. His remembrance is etched into the very fabric of existence, a permanent testament to his righteousness and patience.
This specific wording reveals Allah's absolute appreciation for His devoted servants. It shows that those who strive for Him, despite hardship, will be granted a praise and remembrance that transcends time and space, extending through all creation until the end of days.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah As-Saffat 37:79 is discussed in 5 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah As-Saffat 37:79 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.