Skip to content
قQuranicpediaEncyclopedia of the Glorious Qur’an

As-Sabihat (Gliding) السَّابِحَات

In review — pending scholar verification

The third oath of Surah An-Naziʿat (79:3) — angels who glide swiftly through the heavens to execute Allah's commands.

Overview

As-Sābiḥāt (Arabic: السَّابِحَات) is the third oath in Surah An-Nāziʿāt (79:3): "And [by] those who glide [as if] swimming." The classical interpretation (Ibn Kathīr, al-Ṭabarī) reads this as angels who glide swiftly through the heavens to deliver and execute Allah's commands. The verb sabaḥa conveys floating or swimming in a medium with grace and speed.

Alternative interpretations

Some classical commentators include: (1) the stars in their orbits, "swimming" through the heavens (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:33: "Each in an orbit floating"); (2) the souls of believers ascending to Allah after death; (3) horses charging in battle. The angelic interpretation remains the dominant.

Quranic references

  • Surah An-Nāziʿāt 79:1–5.
  • Surah Al-Anbiya 21:33 — celestial bodies "floating" in their orbits.
  • Surah Az-Zumar 39:75 — "And you will see the angels surrounding the Throne, exalting [Allah] with praise of their Lord."

See also

References

  1. The Quran: Surah An-Nāziʿāt 79:3; Al-Anbiya 21:33; Az-Zumar 39:75.
  2. Ibn Kathir, Tafsīr, on An-Nāziʿāt 79:3.
  3. al-Ṭabari, Jāmiʿ al-Bayān.