Nor has it been reported that Adam prostrated to the angels. Rather, Adam and his descendants were commanded to prostrate only to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Perhaps this—and Allah knows best the realities of all things—is because they are the noblest kind of beings, namely, the righteous descendants of Adam. There is no one above them to whom prostration would be fitting except Allah, Lord of all worlds. They are equals among themselves, and none possesses such an advantage over the others as would warrant prostration to him. As for other beings, they have prostrated to them: the angels to the most upright father, and the animals to the noblest son.

As for their claim, “Adam had done nothing beforehand to warrant being honored with prostration,” this is empty talk babbled by some of those who withdrew from the community. Allah the Exalted’s blessings, favors, and bounties upon His servants are not bestowed because of anything on their part. Even if they were bestowed because of something on their part, He Himself would be the One who had bestowed that very cause. Thus, He bestows it upon them and then shows them appreciation for His own blessings. Their claim is also invalid according to their own principles, though we need not explain that here.

As for His saying:

“And to Him they prostrate,”

even if it is conceded that this conveys exclusivity, its purpose—and Allah knows best—is to show their superiority to those human beings who associate partners with their Lord and worship others besides Him. He therefore informs them that the angels worship none besides Him. Moreover, this statement is general, whereas that verse is specific, so Adam is excepted. It may then be said: prostration is of two kinds—prostration purely as worship, and prostration to confer honor. The first can be directed only to Allah. As for the second, why do you say that the same applies to it? The verse is understood as referring to the first kind, thereby reconciling the evidence.

As for the second question, it has been related from some of the early generations that the angels who