فَاسجُدوا لِلَّهِ وَاعبُدوا

So prostrate [yourselves] to Allah and worship [Him]!

EXEGESIS

The imperative prostrate (fasjudū) indicates that performing a prostration is obligatory when reciting this verse.^{‎[1]Tibyan, 9/441. Alusi, 14/71-72, reports some disagreement as to the compulsory nature of this ruling.} It is plural and addressed to all the believers, and all those who hear the warning of God and wish to take heed and save themselves from perdition.

EXPOSITION

As is appropriate, the end of the surah once again brings us back to the beginning. The surah started with the description of the star (najm) when it sets. As we explained there, the movement of the stars, the heavenly bodies, and all things are under God’s command and everything is subject to Him. The setting of the star is an act of obedience to God, And the herb (najm) and the tree prostrate [to Allah] (55:6). It is only through worship and humility that spiritual eminence can be achieved. The Prophet was the najm, the shining star of his people. His worship was an example that all should follow.

INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS

1. O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.^{‎[2]Psalms 95:6.}

[1] Tibyan, 9/441. Alusi, 14/71-72, reports some disagreement as to the compulsory nature of this ruling.
[2] Psalms 95:6.