and followed the best of what was sent down to them from their Lord; they would thus be servants devoted to His worship and obedience.

Servitude is divided into special and general forms because the word’s basic meaning is humility and submission. A road is described as well-trodden when feet have worn it down, and love is said to have enslaved someone when it has humbled him. Yet His allies submit and humble themselves before Him willingly and freely, complying with His commands and prohibitions, whereas His enemies submit to Him under compulsion and against their will.

Just as servitude has special and general forms, so too do submission and prostration. Concerning submission in its special sense, Allah Most High says:

“What of one who is devoutly obedient during the hours of the night, prostrating and standing, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for his Lord’s mercy?” (39:9)

He says of Mary:

“She was among the devoutly obedient.” (66:12)

This usage occurs frequently in the Quran.

Concerning submission in its general sense, He says:

“To Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth; all are submissive to Him.” (2:116)

That is, they are humble and subject to Him.

Concerning prostration in its special sense, He says:

“Indeed, those who are with your Lord are not too proud to worship Him; they glorify Him, and to Him they prostrate.” (40:60)

He also says:

“When the verses of the Most Merciful are recited to them, they fall down in prostration and weeping.” (19:58)

This usage, too, occurs frequently in the Quran.

Concerning prostration in its general sense, He says:

“To Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, as do their shadows in the mornings and evenings.” (13:15)

Thus, this involuntary prostration differs from the prostration mentioned in His saying:

“Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on earth, as do the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the animals, and many people?” (22:18)

Here He singles out many people as prostrating, whereas in Surah al-Nahl (16:249) He includes them all. This is the prostration of abasement, compulsion, and submission. Everyone is subject to His lordship, humbled before His might, and compelled beneath His dominion—exalted is He.