Detailed Exegesis

Qālū (They said): In literary terms, when narrating a conversation, it is customary to omit conjunctions. Therefore, the conjunction is present in “qālū” (they said) as it was in “qālū atajʿalu fīhā” (they said, “Will You place upon it ...”), and similarly, it is not used in future instances.

Subḥānak (Exalted are You): The word subḥān in this verse, which is its first occurrence, is understood by scholars like al-Khalīl and Sībawayh as a verbal noun (maṣdar) and an absolute object (mafʿūl muṭlaq) for an implied verb nusabbiḥu, meaning “nusabbiḥuka tasbīḥan” (we glorify You with glorification).(286)

This interpretation is supported by Adīb Nīshābūrī, the author of Sharḥ Niẓām, who explains that subḥān is a verbal noun and a diptote (ghayr munṣarif). Its accusative case (naṣb) is attributed to its role as a verbal noun, and its verb is necessarily omitted. When used independently, without being in a construct state (iḍāfa), it serves as a proper noun (ʿalam) for glorification (tasbīḥ), as proper nouns can refer to both concrete entities and meanings.(287)

Some scholars view it as a proper noun for absolute glorification, while others note that its usage without being in a construct state is irregular (shādhdh). Its diptote nature is due to two reasons: its definiteness (taʿrīf) and the additional “alif” and “nūn”.(288)

Note: Since sabaḥa means to flow and engage, as in “Indeed for you in the day is prolonged occupation” (73:7), it suggests that the one who glorifies (musabbiḥ) flows and engages in exalting God.