"Saffa" (صَفًّا) in Surah As-Saffat (37:1) is a verbal noun (masdar) signifying "in ranks" or "in rows," derived from the root ص ف ف (ṣ-f-f), which denotes arranging things in a line.

According to Ibn Kathir, the phrase "وَالصَّـفَّـتِ صَفَّا" (By those ranged in ranks) refers to angels. This interpretation is supported by various classical exegetes including Ibn `Abbas, Masruq, Sa`id bin Jubayr, `Ikrimah, Mujahid, As-Suddi, Qatadah, and Ar-Rabi` bin Anas. Qatadah explicitly states, "The angels form ranks in the heavens."

This understanding is reinforced by Prophetic traditions. A Hadith in Sahih Muslim narrated by Hudhayfah states, "We have been favored over the rest of mankind in three ways: our ranks have been made like the ranks of the angels..." (Source 2, 4). Another Hadith recorded by Muslim, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah mentions the Prophet's instruction to "form ranks as the angels form ranks in the presence of their Lord," explaining that they "complete the rows nearer the front and they consolidate the rows" (Source 2).

Thus, "saffa" refers to the ordered, disciplined formation of angels, signifying their obedience and structured existence in service to Allah.

📚 Sources: Classical tafsir (multi-source)