Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30)

وَاِذۡ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلۡمَلٰٓٮِٕكَةِ اِنِّىۡ جَاعِلٌ فِى الۡاَرۡضِ خَلِيۡفَةً ؕ قَالُوۡٓا اَتَجۡعَلُ فِيۡهَا مَنۡ يُّفۡسِدُ فِيۡهَا وَيَسۡفِكُ الدِّمَآءَۚ وَنَحۡنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَـكَؕ قَالَ اِنِّىۡٓ اَعۡلَمُ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ‏ ۝

Wa-ith qala rabbuka lilmala-ikatiinnee jaAAilun fee al-ardi khaleefatan qalooatajAAalu feeha man yufsidu feeha wayasfiku addimaawanahnu nusabbihu bihamdika wanuqaddisu lakaqala innee aAAlamu ma la taAAlamoon

And mention, O Muḥammad, when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we exalt You with praise and declare Your perfection?" He Allāh said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."

Tadabbur (Reflection)

Theme of the Ayat

The Dignity of Vicegerency: Your purpose is rooted in divine appointment.

The Insight

The announcement of a *Khalifah* (successor/vicegerent) on earth highlights humanity's unique, noble, and responsible role. Live up to your divine potential. Recognize that your life has a higher purpose than mere consumption. Ask: How can my choices in my field (work, art, governance) reflect God's justice and wisdom on Earth?