Sahih Bukhari
Prophetic Commentary on the Quran (Tafseer of the Prophet (PBUH))
Volume: 006 / Book Number: 060 / Hadith Number: 238
Narrated Abdullah:
Regarding the explanation of the Verse: 'Those whom they call upon (worship) (like Jesus the Son of Mary, angels etc.) desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allah) as to which of them should be the nearer and they hope for His Mercy and fear His torment.' (17.57) They themselves (e.g. Angels, saints, Apostles, Jesus, etc.,) worshipped Allah, Those Jinns who were worshipped by some Arabs became Muslims (embraced Islam), but those human beings stuck to their (old) religion. Al-Amash said extra: 'Say, (O Muhammad): Call unto those besides Him whom you assume (to be gods).' (17.56)