Surah Az-Zumar 39:75
سُورَةُ الزُّمَرِ · Meccan · Verse 75 of 75
وَتَرَى ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ حَآفِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ ٱلْعَرْشِ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُم بِٱلْحَقِّ وَقِيلَ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Translation
You [Prophet] will see the angels surrounding the Throne, glorifying their Lord with praise. True judgement will have been passed between them, and it will be said, ‘Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
As the final scenes of the Day of Judgment unfold, Surah 39:75 paints a powerful picture of ultimate justice and universal praise. We are invited to witness this profound moment:
The Heavenly Spectacle
The verse begins with, "وَتَرَى ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ" (And you will see the angels). This direct address, "you," is made to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, but it invites all of us to envision this momentous scene. As Ibn Ashur notes, it's a vision of honor and proximity to the divine Throne. We are transported to a reality where we observe "حَآفِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ ٱلْعَرْشِ" (surrounding the Throne from all sides). The word حَآفِّينَ (haaffeen) conveys a complete encirclement, like a retinue respectfully gathered around their sovereign. Al-Razi explains this vivid image: the angels are fully encompassing the Throne, signifying their reverence and constant attendance.
Glorifying with Praise
These majestic beings are not idle; they are "يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ" (they glorify with the praise of their Lord). The Arabic word يُسَبِّحُونَ (yusabbihun) means to declare Allah free from any imperfection (tanzih), while بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ (bi hamdi Rabbihim) means "with the praise of their Lord," acknowledging His perfect attributes. The small but significant particle بِ (bi) connects the two actions, showing that their glorification is always intertwined with, and infused by, their praise. It's a holistic act of worship, a natural expression of awe and gratitude. Al-Zamakhshari suggests this is a joyous, delightful act for them, not a burdensome obligation. Invoking Allah as "their Lord" (Rabbihim) emphasizes their deep servitude and their elevated station near the Throne, as Ibn Ashur points out.
The Verdict of Truth
Following this celestial scene, the verse states, "وَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُم بِٱلْحَقِّ" (And it was judged between them with truth/justice). The use of the passive verb قُضِيَ (qudiya), "it was judged," emphasizes the finality and self-evident nature of the judgment, rather than explicitly naming the Judge, who is understood to be Allah. The "Ayah Context" clarifies that "them" refers to all creatures, between whom Allah has judged justly, sending believers to Paradise and disbelievers to Hell. The phrase بِٱلْحَقِّ (bil haqq) signifies that this judgment is absolute truth and perfect justice, leaving no room for doubt or injustice.
A Universal Acclamation
Finally, a powerful statement echoes: "وَقِيلَ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ" (And it was said, "All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds"). Again, the passive verb قِيلَ (qila), "it was said," is used, leaving the speaker unnamed. Al-Razi beautifully explains that this ambiguity is deliberate: it indicates that this praise is the universal and undeniable conclusion of all rational beings when contemplating Allah's majesty. Whether uttered by angels, prophets, or the inhabitants of Paradise, it is the ultimate expression of gratitude and recognition of Allah's sovereignty. This praise is not merely for the specific outcome of judgment, but, as al-Razi elaborates, for Allah's very essence as "Lord of the Worlds," encompassing His boundless attributes of perfection, wisdom, and justice. It is the crowning statement that underscores the complete righteousness of all that has transpired.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Az-Zumar 39:75 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 Az-Zumar 39:75 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.