A Reflective Study in the Light of the Qur’anic Verses
In the Noble Qur’an, tasbīḥ (glorifying God) is not merely a phrase uttered by the tongue; it is a universal cosmic order embracing all of creation.
Allah, the Most Blessed and Exalted, says:
« There is not a thing except that it glorifies Him with His praise, but you do not understand their glorification. »
(Sūrat Al-Isrāʾ 17:44)
The entire universe exists in a continuous state of glorification, perfectly governed by God’s laws, without disorder or rebellion.
The Qur’an further reveals that this glorification is not random. Every creature has its own form of worship:
« Each knows its prayer and its glorification. »
(Sūrat An-Nūr 24:41)
All existence therefore lives according to a precise order of worship and submission to God.
This reality extends beyond glorification to include prostration:
« Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth…? »
(Sūrat Al-Ḥajj 22:18)
The whole universe submits completely to its Creator, while the human being remains the only creature endowed with the freedom to choose.
For this reason, the Qur’an calls people to enter consciously and willingly into this cosmic order:
« So glorify Allah when you reach the evening and when you reach the morning. »
(Sūrat Ar-Rūm 30:17)
The believer thus makes every day a succession of moments devoted to remembering and glorifying God, seeking harmony with the universe.
Some believers attain a lofty spiritual state:
« Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides… »
(Sūrat Āl ʿImrān 3:191)
For them, the remembrance of God is no longer occasional; it becomes a continuous state of awareness.
When believers face hardship or persecution, the Qur’an directs them toward patience and glorification:
« So be patient with what they say, and glorify your Lord with His praise… »
(Sūrat Qāf 50:39)
Glorification brings tranquility to the heart, strengthens one’s relationship with God, and helps believers remain steadfast through every trial, with renewed trust in His mercy and wisdom.
When a person strays or feels overwhelmed by hardship, glorification also becomes the path back to God, as illustrated in the prayer of Prophet Jonah:
« Glory be to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers. »
(Sūrat Al-Anbiyāʾ 21:87)
His glorification became the means of his deliverance and the restoration of his spiritual balance.
Moreover, this cosmic order is permeated with mercy. Allah says:
« The angels glorify their Lord with His praise and seek forgiveness for those on the earth. »
(Sūrat Ash-Shūrā 42:5)
Thus, glorification is not limited to exalting God; it also embraces seeking forgiveness and praying for humanity.
It therefore becomes clear that in the Qur’an, tasbīḥ is far more than words spoken by the tongue. It is a cosmic order, a universal act of worship, a way of life, and a path leading back to God.
Perfection belongs to God alone. As for the righteous believer, he or she strives to fill life with praise, gratitude, and glorification, drawing ever closer to this cosmic harmony while journeying toward God with awareness and free choice.
