Selected Exegesis

In this verse, the angels, after understanding the exalted status of Ādam and recognizing God’s profound wisdom and knowledge in appointing him to this position, express their reverence and submission. They begin their acknowledgment with the words “Exalted are You” (subḥānak), glorifying God and affirming His absolute purity. At the conclusion of their response, they offer praise by declaring, “Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise” (innaka anta al-ʿalīm al-ḥakīm), highlighting God’s encompassing knowledge and wisdom.

In doing so, they affirm their recognition of God’s superior knowledge and wisdom and simultaneously acknowledge their own limitations by confessing, “we have no knowledge except what You have taught us” (lā ʿilma lanā illā mā ʿallamtanā).(285)