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قQuranicpediaEncyclopedia of the Glorious Qur’an

As-Sabiqat (Racing) السَّابِقَات

In review — pending scholar verification

The fourth oath of Surah An-Naziʿat (79:4) — angels who race forward in obedience to Allah's commands.

Overview

As-Sābiqāt (Arabic: السَّابِقَات) is the fourth oath in Surah An-Nāziʿāt (79:4): "And those who race forward." Classical commentators interpret this as angels who race in obedience to Allah's commands — racing both to deliver them on earth and to ascend back to Him. The verb sabaqa denotes precedence and forward motion in competition.

Alternative classical views

  • The souls of believers racing toward Paradise after death.
  • The stars in their courses overtaking one another.
  • Horses leading in a race.

The angelic reading is dominant in al-Ṭabarī and Ibn Kathīr.

Quranic references

  • Surah An-Nāziʿāt 79:1–5.
  • Surah Al-Wāqiʿah 56:10–11 — "And the foremost (as-sābiqūn), the foremost — those will be the ones brought near." Some scholars cross-reference this verse with the oath.

See also

References

  1. The Quran: Surah An-Nāziʿāt 79:4; Al-Wāqiʿah 56:10–11.
  2. Ibn Kathir, Tafsīr, on An-Nāziʿāt 79:4.
  3. al-Ṭabari, Jāmiʿ al-Bayān.