Transliteration:( Wa umirtu li an akoona awwalal muslimeen )
"And I am commanded to submit (as a Muslim), first [41] of all."
This verse indicates that the Holy Prophet ﷺ is the very first in his Ummah to submit in worship and obedience to Allah.
He is the foremost in servitude, the leader of all mystics (ʿārifīn), and the highest in recognizing the Divine.
The great Sufi sages affirm that the Prophet ﷺ was a worshipper even before his physical birth—in the realm of souls (ʿālam al-arwāḥ), and he remained a worshipper throughout his life until the end.
His servitude is timeless, deeply rooted in his pure nature and divine mission.
Thus, this verse reminds us that true Islam begins with the submission of the Prophet ﷺ, and through him, guidance flows to all others.
The tafsir of Surah Az-Zumar verse 12 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Zumar ayat 10 which provides the complete commentary from verse 10 through 12.
(39:12) and I am bidden to be the first of those who surrender to Him.”[33]
33. That is, my mission is not only to exhort others but also to practice what I preach to myself. First, I follow the way which I call others to follow.
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