THE GLORIFICATION BY CREATION

 

THE GLORIFICATION BY CREATION

Brief Meaning of Tasbih

The word Tasbih (تسبيح) derives from the Arabic root sa-ba-ha (س-ب-ح), which means to swim, to move swiftly, or to distance oneself. In the Qur’an, this word is used to describe the motion of celestial bodies in their orbits:

“Each swims along in an orbit.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:33; Surah Ya-Sin 36:40)

These meanings suggest that glorifying Allah (tasbih) is a constant and unwavering act of movement and alignment.

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🌍 Beings That Perform Tasbih in the Qur’an

The Qur’an states that everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah. For example:

“Whatever is in the heavens and on the earth glorifies Allah.”
(Surah Al-Hadid 57:1; Surah Al-Hashr 59:1; Surah As-Saff 61:1)

Although the verb is in the past tense in Arabic, it actually conveys a continuous and ongoing act of glorification.

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🌠 Glorification and Obedience of Creation

In Surah Fussilat, it is described how Allah said to the heavens and the earth:

“Come willingly or unwillingly,” and they responded, “We come willingly.”
(Fussilat 41:11)

This exchange reflects the obedience and glorification of the universe to its Creator.

Additionally, the Qur’an sometimes personifies inanimate objects to highlight their qualities. For instance, when Hell is asked,

“Are you full?” it responds, “Is there more?”
(Surah Qaf 50:30)

This is an example of personification, a literary device used to give voice to non-living things.

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🕊️ Other Beings That Glorify

The Qur’an also mentions that not only the heavens and the earth, but birds and angels also glorify Allah:

“Do you not see that all those in the heavens and the earth, and the birds with wings outspread, glorify Allah?”
(Surah An-Nur 24:41)

“The thunder glorifies His praise, and so do the angels out of fear of Him.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:13)

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🔍 Conclusion

According to the Qur’an, every being in the universe glorifies Allah in accordance with its purpose of creation. This glorification is not limited to verbal praise—it is also expressed through the state of being, through the language of existence, and through behavior that aligns with each creation’s nature.