Surah An-Nazi'at 79:4
سُورَةُ النَّازِعَاتِ · Meccan · Verse 4 of 46
فَٱلسَّٰبِقَٰتِ سَبْقًۭا
Translation
overtaking swiftly
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse, "فَٱلسَّٰبِقَٰتِ سَبْقًۭا" (Fa-s-sābiqāti sabqā), is part of a series of profound oaths Allah takes in Surah An-Nazi'at. These oaths are meant to underscore the absolute certainty of the Day of Judgment, a concept often denied by disbelievers. Here, Allah is swearing by groups of His mighty creations, primarily understood to be angels, who execute His commands with unparalleled speed and precision, leading ultimately to the resurrection and accountability of all beings.
The Race Ahead
The word "السابقات" (al-Saabiqaat) describes those who precede, who race forward, or who excel in their movement. Scholars like al-Jalalayn explain this as angels who rush with the souls of believers towards Paradise. Al-Razi adds that it can also refer to angels who precede others in high rank, or even to the swift movement of stars, or the human soul's quick progress towards Allah. However, the prevailing understanding among commentators is that these are angels, carrying out divine decrees with great alacrity.
The Significance of "Fa"
A key linguistic detail in this verse is the connective particle "فَ" (fa) at the beginning, which means "so" or "then." This is a shift from the "وَ" (wa, meaning "and") used in the preceding three oaths (al-Naazi'aat, al-Naashitaat, al-Saabihaat). Ibn Ashur and al-Razi highlight that this "fa" suggests a sequence and consequence. It implies that the act of "racing ahead" (al-Saabiqaat) is a natural outcome or a step further from the previous descriptions, such as the angels' swift movement through the heavens ("al-Saabihaat"). They first move swiftly, *then* they precede others. This sequential connection underscores the efficiency and purposefulness of their actions.
Emphatic Precedence
The word "سبقًا" (sabqā) serves as an absolute object, a grammatical construction that profoundly emphasizes the action. It's not just "racing," but an *emphatic* racing, a precedence of extraordinary measure. Ibn Ashur notes that the indeterminate form of "sabqā" (with the tanwin) further signifies the *greatness* of this precedence. It implies a race that is decisive, overwhelming, and leaves no room for doubt or challenge. The angels don't just move; they race with an unmatched speed and authority that highlights the swiftness and inevitability of Allah's decrees.
A Deeper Meaning for You
This verse, through its precise wording, paints a vivid picture of divine agents carrying out Allah's will with absolute readiness and speed. For us, this reflection emphasizes the certainty and promptness of Allah's commands. Just as these angels race ahead without hesitation, the Day of Judgment, the moment of reckoning, and all divine promises and warnings will unfold with an unwavering, emphatic swiftness. This invites us to ponder our own readiness, understanding that delay in Allah's decree is impossible.
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 An-Nazi'at 79:4 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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