Surah An-Naba 78:38
سُورَةُ النَّبَإِ · Meccan · Verse 38 of 40
يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلرُّوحُ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ صَفًّۭا ۖ لَّا يَتَكَلَّمُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ وَقَالَ صَوَابًۭا
Translation
On the Day when the Spirit and the angels stand in rows, they will not speak except for those to whom the Lord of Mercy gives permission, who will say only what is right.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse opens a window into the awe-inspiring solemnity of the Day of Judgment, painting a vivid picture of the sheer magnitude of Allah's power. It’s Allah Himself speaking, describing a day when all of creation will stand in silent deference.
The Awe of Standing
The verse begins, "يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلرُّوحُ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ صَفًّۭا" (The Day the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows). The phrase "يَوْمَ يَقُومُ" (the Day will stand) is not just about physical standing; it implies a state of readiness and profound submission. As Ibn Ashur explains, it's an attitude of true servitude to Allah, filled with humility and awe.
The term "ٱلرُّوحُ" (the Spirit) has been understood in various ways, with many scholars, including al-Muyassar and al-Razi's preferred view, identifying it as the great angel Jibreel (Gabriel). His specific mention before "وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ" (and the angels) highlights his immense status and honor. The angels, along with Jibreel, will stand "صَفًّۭا" (in rows). This word, "saffan," emphasizes their disciplined, orderly, and respectful posture. It's not just a casual gathering, but a formal, awe-struck lineup, signifying their complete obedience and reverence for their Creator. Al-Razi points out that if even these mighty beings are filled with such fear and submission, it truly underscores the gravity of that Day for all others.
The Silence of Submission
Following this grand description, the verse continues, "لَّا يَتَكَلَّمُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ وَقَالَ صَوَابًۭا" (They will not speak, except for he whom the Most Merciful permits, and who speaks what is right). This underscores the absolute authority of Allah. Ibn Ashur notes that this phrase reinforces the earlier point in the Quran that no one will have any power to address Allah.
The silence is profound; no one, not even Jibreel or the highest angels, will dare utter a word without permission. This is a powerful demonstration of Allah's majesty. Two conditions are then laid out for anyone to speak:
1. "مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ" (he whom the Most Merciful permits): Permission must come from Allah. Ibn Ashur elaborates that this "permission" (إذن) is more than just allowing speech; it often comes through divine inspiration, guiding the individual to even seek permission in the first place.
2. "وَقَالَ صَوَابًۭا" (and who speaks what is right): Whatever is spoken must be truthful and correct. Al-Razi explains that this might mean that even with permission, speakers will exert themselves to utter only truth, showing their ultimate devotion. It can also imply that the permitted speech, such as intercession, will only be for those whom Allah has deemed worthy and who themselves spoke what was right during their lives, like affirming the oneness of Allah.
The use of Allah's Divine Name "ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ" (the Most Merciful) in this context is especially poignant. As Ibn Ashur observes, it hints that this very permission to speak, especially for intercession, is itself a manifestation of Allah's immense mercy, intended to bring benefit to those in the gathering on that terrifying Day. It reminds us that even amidst overwhelming grandeur, Allah's mercy prevails.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Naba 78:38 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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