“There is nothing that does not glorify Him”
Many verses in the Qur’an are cryptic. While being aware of theological tools helps understand the meaning, in many instances, scientific findings, too, prove to be of use to unpack the mysteries therein. One of those verses I find fascinating is al-Isra 17:44:
“The seven heavens, the earth, and all that is in them glorify Him. There is nothing that does not glorify Him with praise, but you do not understand their glorification. Truly, He is Most Forbearing, Most Forgiving.”
In classical commentary, the phrase “the seven heavens, the earth, and all that is in them” is generally understood as a reference to all beings, conscious or unconscious. It is explained that everything glorifies God in its own way, though the nature of this glorification cannot be directly grasped by human understanding.
To go deeper into the meaning of this verse, we will first review approaches found in classical exegetical sources as well as modern interpretations. In particular, we will briefly highlight the commentary of Bediüzzaman Said Nursi in his work Ayetü’l-Kübrâ, a fifty-page treatise devoted in part to this verse. After that, we will present a framework of interpretation shaped by modern scientific findings, suggesting an alternative reading of the verse that accounts for both its metaphysical and physical dimensions. The broader goal is to contribute to a new interpretive ground at the intersection of revelation-based knowledge and scientific observation, through the universal laws that govern existence.
Glorifying God
In classical sources, the concept of tasbih (glorification) in this verse is often explained as all beings’ turning toward divine order and the Creator, each in its own way. For example, al-Tabari sees tasbih as each being worshiping God in its own language. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi states that sometimes this happens through words and sometimes through the state of existence itself, and that it can only be grasped by those with intellect. Ibn Kathir considers the tasbih of all beings to be real, though imperceptible to human senses. Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır emphasizes that the order in the universe itself demonstrates a kind of tasbih.
A common point among these classical commentators is that tasbih occurs on two levels: through spoken expression (lisan al-qal) and through existential state (lisan al-hal). This dual approach applies both to conscious beings (such as humans) and unconscious beings (such as stones, air, or atoms). The verse highlights that this universal glorification operates on a level beyond human comprehension. Thus, tasbih is not limited to conscious acts of worship but can also be understood as the ongoing and all-encompassing order within the natural world.
From this perspective, the workings, regularities, and interrelations of all things—from subatomic particles to galaxies—can be seen as manifestations of divine laws, a kind of ontological tasbih. The cosmological view offered by the verse thus points to a profound overlap between the natural laws discovered by modern science and the metaphysical insights of classical thought.
Modern interpretations tend to explain tasbih as beings’ fulfilling their functions in line with their purpose of creation and their inherent nature (fitrah). In this sense, even if not a conscious act of worship, every being is seen as glorifying God through its orientation embedded in creation. Each being’s continuation of existence according to its own nature is also considered tasbih.
In this framework, tasbih is not limited to conscious expressions but includes the structural order, physical laws, and natural processes observed throughout the universe. Modern interpretations therefore understand tasbih as an ontological orientation: every being continues its existence in accordance with its own internal laws and physical limits. This shows that tasbih is not only a religious or metaphysical concept but also resonates with the idea of natural order observed by science.
In his treatise Ayetü’l-Kübrâ, Bediüzzaman Said Nursi discusses tasbih on both metaphysical and ontological levels. He likens the universe to a book and every being to a letter or sentence in that book, each directly remembering the Creator. For him, tasbih is not merely metaphorical but a true glorification that each being performs through its existential function. Nursi structures his metaphysical reflections through contemplation, grounding what is perceivable in rational thought.
He emphasizes that the continuity and order seen throughout the cosmos directly point to the Creator: “The entirety of the universe glorifies its Maker with true remembrance.” “The manifestations of divine power appear in everything, and each being declares: There is no god but He.” “With the motion of particles, a glorification, remembrance, and worship take place.” “Every creature has a task; its task is worship.” These statements highlight how all beings, from subatomic particles to the cosmic whole, operate within law, order, and functionality.
When compared with modern interpretations, Nursi’s approach shows some key differences. While modern exegetes often see tasbih as symbolic or systematic order—beings acting in line with their purpose of creation—Nursi considers it direct and real. For him, every being actively and consciously glorifies God. His approach integrates physical reality with a metaphysical perspective, presenting creation as not only “existent” but also “meaningful.” This resonates with both classical and modern interpretations while adding a contemplative dimension that speaks to modern seekers of meaning.
Nursi even describes the entire universe as a grand assembly of remembrance (common ground for everything but Allah): “The heavens, the earth, and all within them are like a great gathering of remembrance. Every atom praises God in its own language. Humans may not perceive this praise, but it is real.” This view emphasizes that the order of the universe is not only physical but also meaningful and holistic.
What do scientific findings say?
In continuing this discussion, our focus will shift to how this “common ground” can be conceptualized in light of modern scientific discoveries. That is, how the building blocks, laws, and principles uniting all beings in the universe can be understood through contemporary science.
The idea of glorification through words (tasbih by speech) is easily understood as conscious beings verbally exalting God. But how should glorification through state (tasbih by being) be understood? Both classical and modern interpretations agree that all beings and events are bound by divine laws governing their existence and functioning. This compulsory harmony and order can be seen as the creation glorifying its Creator. Still, this idea may seem abstract at first, so it requires explanation. In particular, we will explore what modern science offers for understanding tasbih by being.
Science gives us several fundamental elements that reveal a common ground uniting all of existence. Among these are shared building blocks (subatomic particles), universal physical laws, common origins, and systematic methods of observation and interpretation. Every being demonstrates, in its own context, that it is part of the larger whole through structural similarities and compliance with shared laws.
At the microscopic level, this unity is especially clear. All observable entities are made of atoms—small and discrete units. The atomic structure is universal: a nucleus of protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. These fundamental particles themselves are composed of even more basic particles such as quarks and leptons. Thus, all material systems are built from the same components in varying combinations.
In addition to this shared structure, quantum numbers define the order within atoms, governing matter’s behavior at a universal level. The position and energy of electrons are described by four quantum numbers:
- n: the principal quantum number, indicating energy level,
- l: angular momentum, describing orbital shape,
- ml: orientation of the orbital in space,
- ms: electron spin.
By the Pauli exclusion principle, no two electrons in an atom can share the same four quantum numbers. This rule shows that universal order operates even at the subatomic level. Each particle has a unique position in this order.
Other principles, such as Hund’s rule (that electrons are first singly filled with the same spin before they are filled doubly) and the Aufbau principle (that electrons first fill subshells of the lowest available energy, then those of higher energy), further highlight this extraordinary order, leaving no room for randomness at the atomic level. Together, they point to a coherent, universal structure encompassing all matter. In Nursi’s words, this could be seen as a shared “mosque” for all creation.
Each particle’s individuality—defined by its unique quantum state—coexists with the universality of the shared laws. In religious terminology, this can be linked to Ahadiyyah (the unique individuality of each being) and Wahdaniyyah (the unity of all beings within one system). While a deeper discussion of these theological concepts is beyond the scope of this article, we note that even in physical reality, these dual dimensions of uniqueness and unity are observable.
One of the most striking scientific principles supporting this universal order is Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle. This principle points to a limit built into the very structure of nature: it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle at the same time. This is not due to shortcomings in measurement tools but due to the nature of reality itself. It reveals an inherent “limit of knowledge” in the physical world.
As such, the principle is not only a physical rule but also an epistemological sign: it defines the boundaries of human knowledge about nature. In a metaphysical reading, it indirectly suggests an unbridgeable difference between Creator and creation. While natural laws provide knowledge, the limits of this knowledge reveal the boundaries of human existence and understanding.
Conclusion
In this study, we have attempted to interpret the concept of tasbih in Qur’an 17:44 through both classical and modern exegesis, alongside insights from contemporary science. The order observed in creation, from the quantum level to cosmic structures, manifests laws and harmony that align with the Qur’anic concept of glorification. This perspective allows us to reconsider the idea of tasbih by being in a scientific framework.
In short, the laws, order, and functionality observed in the universe can be seen as signs of beings’ connection to their Creator, a form of existential orientation. The author hopes that this article may serve as a modest attempt to show how scientific discoveries can contribute to a deeper understanding of a Qur’anic expression.
