Surah Al-Isra — Ayah 61 (17:61)

English translation (Saheeh International)

And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate to Adam," and they prostrated, except for Iblees.¹ He said, "Should I prostrate to one You created from clay?"

1. - See footnote to 2:34.

Brief commentary

And remember, O Messenger, when I said to the angels: Prostrate to Adam, as a prostration of greeting, not worship, so they complied and all prostrated to him. However, Iblis refused to prostrate to him out of arrogance, saying: Should I prostrate to the one You created out of clay whereas You created me out of fire? I am better than him.