Yusuf · Makki · ayah 108 of 111

Yusuf 12:108

قُلْ هَـٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۠ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِى ۖ وَسُبْحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allāh with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allāh; and I am not of those who associate others with Him."”

Saheeh International

Essence

The Prophet ﷺ calls people to Allah, not to himself, reading clear evidence as a hunter reads a trail.

A reflection

A mission statement that ends in praise

The Prophet ﷺ is told to declare his whole way of life in one sentence. This is my path. I call to Allah, with clear sight, I and whoever follows me. And then, before the sentence closes: wa subḥāna Allāh. And glory be to Allah.

Why put praise in the middle of a mission statement?

Because a caller can easily become the destination. People who invite others to anything begin, over time, to enjoy being followed. Pride creeps in. The preacher's name grows. Self-importance turns I call to Allah into come to me.

The ayah blocks that road twice. The call is ilā Allāh, to Allah, not to the one calling. And the caller interrupts himself to declare Allah far above everything.

One commentary lists what subḥān Allāh removes from Him. Any partner, peer or equal. Any son, father or consort. Any minister or adviser.

That last detail is striking. Kings need advisers. The One being called to needs none. He does not need the caller either.

The root of subḥān means putting at a distance. Its letters also carry swimming and the gliding of stars in their orbits (21:33). Everything in creation glorifies Him, another surah says, though you do not understand their glorification (17:44).

So the caller joins a chorus already singing. His subḥān Allāh is not a favour to Allah. It is the caller reminding himself who the call is for.

The full entry has 6 more reflections, questions to sit with, and "Live it today" - with the words, the roots and the tafsir alongside. Free, no account, works offline.