text: why was it ok for the angels to bow down to adam according to the qur'an? not only ok, but commanded in fact.  i don't understand that because i thought that it was central to islam that only god is to be worshipped.  why is that any different for the angels? thanks. remember, it is god who ordered them to bow. it was not a bow of worship, but a bow of honouring, respect, and to obey god's command, just as humans used to do to pay homage to someone. here's the reason why god told them to bow.  “[…] when your lord told the angels, ‘i am putting a successor on earth,’ they said, ‘how can you put someone there who will cause damage and bloodshed when we celebrate your praise and proclaim your holiness?’ ” they asked this not out of objection, but simply to know why and to know whether they have fallen short of their duty in praising and worshipping god. “but he said, ‘i know things you do not.’ ” then the angels thought to themselves, “let our lord create what he will. he will not create a being that is more honoured, or more knowledgeable than us.” they kept this thought of theirs a secret, but nothing can be hidden from god.  then, later, when god "taught adam the names of all things, then he showed them to the angels and said, ‘tell me the names of these if you truly think you can.’ they said, ‘may you be glorified! we have knowledge only of what you have taught us. you are the all knowing and all wise.’ then he said, ‘adam, tell them the names of these.’ when he told them their names, god said, ‘did i not tell you that i know what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and that i know what you reveal and what you conceal?’ ” god exposed the statement the angels kept to themselves  and showed them how adam was in fact both more honoured (when they bowed to him) and more knowledgeable.  hope this helps, peace be with you. if you have any other questions, i would love to answer them for you.