Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 30

30. And (O Prophet! recall) when your Lord said to the angels [38], "I am going to place a vicegerent [39] on the earth." They said, "Will You place in it one who will cause corruption and shed blood [40], while we glorify You with praise and declare Your holiness?" [41] Allah said, "Indeed, I know what you do not know." [42]

[38] The Permanent Status of Angels:
These days, some atheists have raised the doubt that by "angels" are meant those abstract forces that are operative in this workshop of the universe. From this verse, it is understood that angels are such beings who possess an independent personality, because there has been a conversation between Allah Almighty and them. Besides this, the names of some beings are also mentioned in the Quran.

[39] Adam is the vicegerent of whom?
Here, the word "khalifah" (deputy, representative) is used in an absolute sense. It cannot be explicitly known whether Adam ؑ is the vicegerent of Allah Almighty or of some other creation. Some scholars are of the opinion that a khalifah is one who assumes authority in the event of someone's death or absence, and since Allah is Ever-Living, Who never dies, and is always present, therefore Adam was not the vicegerent of Allah, but rather the vicegerent of the jinn. Then, there is also a narration that before the creation of man, jinn inhabited this earth, who used to cause mischief, corruption, and bloodshed, so Allah sent an army of angels who drove those jinn towards the seas, and Adam ؑ became their vicegerent. And some scholars are of the opinion that for vicegerency or representation, death or absence is not necessary; rather, an authoritative being can, even in his presence, delegate some powers to someone and make him his vicegerent or representative, so that he may use those powers according to His will. In our opinion, the second view is more correct, because it is also supported by a verse [33: 72], and also by the diplomatic system existing in the world. The translation of the referred verse is as follows: "We offered the trust to the heavens, the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it and were afraid of it. But man undertook it. Indeed, he is ever unjust and ignorant." (33:72) And all commentators agree that here "trust" refers to the obedience of Allah Almighty and the burden of fulfilling His duties and commands and their implementation, and this is another name for the system of vicegerency.

[40] The assumption of the angels that "the children of Adam will only cause mischief and bloodshed in the world" was either on the basis that the jinn had already done the same on earth before, or on the basis that the being to whom authority is delegated and who is also given the power of will and choice, will not be able to avoid excess and deficiency, and thus mischief and corruption will occur.

[41] What was the objection of the angels to the creation of Adam?
The response of the angels was not an objection to the creation of Adam, but rather an expression of the lack of necessity for the creation of Adam. The angels said to Allah Almighty that, as those who manage affairs, we are running the workshop of the universe with full activity and excellence. We do not disobey Your command, we continue to glorify and sanctify You, and we also keep this universe pure and clean. And when all these tasks are being carried out well, then what is the need to create Adam ؑ as a vicegerent, especially in a situation where mischief and corruption are also expected from this vicegerent? Their intention was not that since we continue to glorify and sanctify You, therefore we are the real deserving ones of vicegerency, not Adam, who will do such and such things.

The Difference Between Tasbih and Taqdis:
In this verse, the words "tasbih" and "taqdis" have appeared. Tasbih means to say "Subhan Allah" or to mention "Subhan Allah," or to describe, by word or by state, the attribute of that Being Who is free from all kinds of defects, shortcomings, and weaknesses. Thus, this word is used to describe the excellences of Allah Almighty in a positive manner and to express His praise or commendation. Taqdis means to negate those things which are not befitting to Allah Almighty. And "Quddus" means that Being Who is free from the need of others' partnership and from other impurities like shirk, i.e., free from both opposites and equals (Maqayis al-Lughah). The purpose of tasbih is to express praise, and the purpose of taqdis is to express the transcendence of Allah Almighty.

[42] This is the general answer of Allah Almighty to the angels. The detailed answer is coming ahead. However, incidentally, from this verse it is also understood that even the angels do not possess knowledge of the unseen.