Surah Najm

Surah Najm holds a significant place as the 53rd chapter of the Noble Quran. Allah revealed its divine verses to Prophet Muhammad (s) in Mecca. As we embark on this illuminating journey through the pages of Islam4u, our aim is to delve into the intricate concepts and profound wisdom embedded within the verses of this surah. Join us as we explore the depths of Surah Najm, unraveling its treasures and gaining insights into the timeless teachings it imparts.

Facts About Surah Najm

Surah Najm is in juz 27 of the Quran. It is a surah that contains a verse of wajib sajdah. That is, if the verse of sajdah is recited, it is obligatory for the reciter and anyone who hears the verse to immediately prostrate.

This surah was revealed in Mecca. The order of its revelation is 23. It has 62 verses, 359 words, and 1432 letters. In the present sequence of surahs, it stands as the 53rd chapter.

Arabic Text and Translation of Surah Najm

Verse One: The Star When It Sets

Verse one of Surah Najm reads:

وَٱلنَّجْمِ إِذَا هَوَىٰ ‎﴿١﴾

By the star when it sets.

Allah swears by the star when it sets. Why is He swearing by the star? Stars are very important creations of Allah. They serve different purposes. Specifically, those who ride ships use stars to navigate their way to their destinations.^[1] They also serve as an adornment for the sky, as Allah has clearly stated in another verse in Surah Saffat.^[2] Why is Allah swearing by the star? He wants to address an extremely important matter. What is it? Let us continue reading to find out.

Verse Two: Your Companion Has Not Gone Astray

Verse Two of Surah Najm Reads:

مَا ضَلَّ صَاحِبُكُمْ وَمَا غَوَىٰ ‎﴿٢﴾

Your companion has neither gone astray, nor amiss.

This verse and the following verses talk about Prophet Muhammad (s) and how the things he speaks are divine revelation. The Prophet (s) has not deviated when he rightfully claims that he has received divine revelation. The Prophet (s) is not lost and knows exactly what he is saying and doing. Why and how? The next verse and the verses that follow answer this question.

Verse Three: The Prophet (s) Does Not Speak on a Whim

Verse three of Surah Najm reads:

وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ ٱلْهَوَىٰٓ ‎﴿٣﴾

Nor does he speak out of [his own] desire.

What the Prophet (s) says is the truth. He never spoke out of his own desire. He said all the things Allah commanded him to say and do based on divine revelation. The verse states that whatever the Prophet (s) commanded his people to do, whether it was him reciting the Quran or telling them what to do were all based on the commands he received from Allah through revelation.

Verse Four: The Revelation of Allah

Verse four of Surah Najm reads:

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْىٌ يُوحَىٰ ‎﴿٤﴾

It is just a revelation that is revealed [to him].

The previous verse stated how what the Prophet (s) speaks is not out of his own desire. This verse continues the discussion by stating that what the Prophet (s) speaks is divine revelation that he receives from Allah the Almighty. There were at least two ways by which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet (s). First, the angel Jibril would descend and communicate the verses of the Quran to the Prophet (s). Second, the Prophet would receive the revelation directly from Allah. The Prophet (s) would make sure to differentiate the verses of the Quran from his own speech. He would tell the scribes these words that I have spoken are verses of the Quran and these are not. In this way, it would become crystal clear what the verses of the Quran were.

Verse Five: The Great Power

Verse five of Surah Najm reads:

عَلَّمَهُۥ شَدِيدُ ٱلْقُوَىٰ ‎﴿٥﴾

Taught him by one of great powers.

The verse is speaking about the archangel Jibril who would descend on the Prophet and reveal to him the verses of the Quran. Jibril is one of the most powerful and high-ranking angels of Allah. His duty is to convey the messages of Allah to His prophets. The angel Jibril taught the Quran to the Prophet (s) according to this verse.

Verse Six: The Wise Angel

Verse six of Surah Najm reads:

ذُو مِرَّةٍ فَٱسْتَوَىٰ ‎﴿٦﴾

Possessed of sound judgement. He settled.

The sixth verse of Surah Najm continues to describe the angel who communicated with the Noble Prophet (s). He is a wise angel who possesses sound judgment. Angels of Allah have different ranks. Their ranks are predetermined by Allah, and they are not able to go higher or lower in rank as they do not have free will like us human beings. The highest-ranking angel of Allah is Jibril, the angel of revelation. Allah has given him wisdom, knowledge, and power. Prophet Muhammad (s) saw this angel in his original form as mentioned in the verses of this surah.

Verse Seven: The Great Stature of Jibril

Verse seven of Surah Najm reads:

وَهُوَ بِٱلْأُفُقِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ ‎﴿٧﴾

While he was on the highest horizon.

This verse mentions the fact that Jibril’s form is of great stature. It is so great that it extends to the horizon. Usually, the angel Jibril would descend on the Prophet (s) in the form of a human being. However, in this verse, Jibril appears before the Prophet (s) in his original form.

Verse Eight: The Angel Draws Near

Verse eight of Surah Najm reads:

ثُمَّ دَنَا فَتَدَلَّىٰ ‎﴿٨﴾

Then he drew nearer and nearer.

Allah is creating suspense in this verse by stating how the angel got very close to the Prophet.

Verse Nine: The Angel Gets Very Close to the Prophet

فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَىٰ ‎﴿٩﴾

Until he was within two bows’ length or even nearer.

This verse highlights the significance of divine revelation, emphasizing the proximity of the angel of revelation as he unveils the words of Allah to the intended recipient. Jibril, the angel of revelation, approached the Prophet (s) with great closeness in order to convey divine instructions from Allah.

Verse 10: The Revelation Is Imparted

Verse 10 of Surah Najm reads:

فَأَوْحَىٰٓ إِلَىٰ عَبْدِهِۦ مَآ أَوْحَىٰ ‎﴿١٠﴾

Whereat He revealed to His servant whatever He revealed.

In this verse, the term “servant” pertains to the Prophet (s), who serves as the recipient of divine revelation. Within the Prophet’s heart reside the radiant words of Allah, and he alone is deserving of receiving the revelations of the Quran. Allah, in these verses, delineates the process by which the Prophet (s) is granted divine revelation. These verses aim to convey that the imparting of this knowledge to the Prophet (s) was not a straightforward affair. Rather, the majestic angel Jibril revealed these verses with utmost reverence and grandeur.

Verse 11: The Heart Cannot Lie About What It Sees

Verse 11 of Surah Najm reads:

مَا كَذَبَ ٱلْفُؤَادُ مَا رَأَىٰٓ ‎﴿١١﴾

The heart did not deny what it saw.

Similar to the undeniable reality of things witnessed with one’s own eyes, the heart of the Prophet (s) did not deny the profound insights it perceived. It was as though he beheld the truth through the eyes of his heart, and what he received from Allah through His angel was undeniably the truth.

Verse 12: Why Then Do You Dispute With Him?

Verse 12 of Surah Najm reads:

أَفَتُمَٰرُونَهُۥ عَلَىٰ مَا يَرَىٰ ‎﴿١٢﴾

Will you then dispute with him about what he saw?!

This verse challenges all those who deny the Prophet’s reception of revelation. The Quran is saying, after all these explanations about the process of revelation to the Prophet and the events Allah causes to unfold, why do you still doubt the reality of revelation?

Verse 13-18 The Prophet Had Witnessed Allah Beforetime

Verses 13-18 of Surah Najm read:

وَلَقَدْ رَءَاهُ نَزْلَةً أُخْرَىٰ ‎﴿١٣﴾‏ عِندَ سِدْرَةِ ٱلْمُنتَهَىٰ ‎﴿١٤﴾‏ عِندَهَا جَنَّةُ ٱلْمَأْوَىٰٓ ‎﴿١٥﴾‏ إِذْ يَغْشَى ٱلسِّدْرَةَ مَا يَغْشَىٰ ‎﴿١٦﴾‏ مَا زَاغَ ٱلْبَصَرُ وَمَا طَغَىٰ ‎﴿١٧﴾‏ لَقَدْ رَأَىٰ مِنْ ءَايَٰتِ رَبِّهِ ٱلْكُبْرَىٰٓ ‎﴿١٨﴾

Certainly he saw it yet another time, (13) by the Lote Tree of the Ultimate Boundary, (14) near which is the Garden of the Abode, (15) when there covered the Lote Tree what covered it. (16) His gaze did not swerve, nor did it overstep the bounds. (17) Certainly he saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord. (18)

The Prophet (s) had experienced perceiving Allah with his heart on previous occasions, including during the nightly ascension known as Mi‘raj. It was not the first time this divine connection occurred. In verse 14, Allah reveals the specific location where this extraordinary event took place – by the Lote Tree in paradise. In that remarkable journey, Allah unveiled some of His most magnificent signs to the Prophet (s).

Verses 19-20: The Idols of the Polytheists

Verses 19-20 of Surah Najm read:

أَفَرَءَيْتُمُ ٱللَّٰتَ وَٱلْعُزَّىٰ ‎﴿١٩﴾‏ وَمَنَوٰةَ ٱلثَّالِثَةَ ٱلْأُخْرَىٰٓ ‎﴿٢٠﴾

Have you considered Lat and ‘Uzza? (19) and Manat, the third one? (20)

Following the discussion on monotheism, revelation, and Mi‘raj, Allah directs the readers’ focus to the man-made idols worshipped by the polytheists of Mecca. Are these idols, which you have meticulously crafted with your own hands, truly divine beings? They hold no significance and possess no power to benefit or harm you. These idols are merely the products of your worldly desires and cravings.

Verses 21-22: The Unfair Division

Verses 21-22 of Surah Najm read:

أَلَكُمُ ٱلذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ ٱلْأُنثَىٰ ‎﴿٢١﴾‏ تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَىٰٓ ‎﴿٢٢﴾

Are you to have males and He females? (21) That, then, will be an unfair division!

The Arabs of the pagan era used to believe that the angels are the daughters of Allah and that they were the ones who had sons (not Allah). Allah totally rejects such a belief. The angels are not daughters of Allah. When Allah says it is an unfair division that they should have sons and He daughters, He does not mean that it would be better if He had sons and them daughters. Rather, He means to say that from their perspective, it is an unfair division because they considered sons superior to daughters. Allah does not have either sons or daughters. He is immaculate and clear of such attributions. Moreover, boys are not superior to girls and vice versa. It is their degree of piety that determines their superiority over one another.^[3]

Verse 23: Nothing but Names

Verse 23 of Surah Najm reads:

إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّآ أَسْمَآءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمْ وَءَابَآؤُكُم مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَٰنٍ ۚ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى ٱلْأَنفُسُ ۖ وَلَقَدْ جَآءَهُم مِّن رَّبِّهِمُ ٱلْهُدَىٰٓ ‎﴿٢٣﴾

These are but names, which you have coined—you and your fathers—for which Allah has not sent down any authority. They follow nothing but conjectures and the desires of the [lower] soul, while there has already come to them the guidance from their Lord.

In this verse, the Quran emphatically states: “These are nothing but names which you and your forefathers have invented, for which Allah has not sent down any authority. They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire, and indeed the guidance from their Lord has come to them.” (Quran 53:23)

You have no logical proof for them, nor do you have any evidence from divine revelation. They are merely a collection of illusions, superstitions, and empty words.

And it concludes: “They follow nothing but assumptions, and what their souls desire, even though guidance has come to them from their Lord.” (Quran 53:23)

Yet they turn away and persist in their darkness of illusions.

In essence, their own desires are the greatest and most dangerous idols, the source from which other idols arise, and the fuel that feeds the market of idolatry.

Verses 24-25: Can Man Have All That He Wants?

Verses 24-25 of Surah Najm read:

أَمْ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ مَا تَمَنَّىٰ ‎﴿٢٤﴾‏ فَلِلَّهِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ وَٱلْأُولَىٰ ‎﴿٢٥﴾

Shall man have whatever he yearns for? (24) Yet to Allah belong this world and the Hereafter. (25)

This verse is again a reference to the beliefs of the idolaters of the Arab pagan era. They thought that their idols could intercede on their behalf and fulfill their wishes. Allah says that everything belongs to Him alone, not to some idols that have been made of wood and stone.

Verse 26: Only Those Whom Allah Permits Can Intercede

Verse 26 of Surah Najm reads:

وَكَم مِّن مَّلَكٍ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ لَا تُغْنِى شَفَٰعَتُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن يَأْذَنَ ٱللَّهُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَرْضَىٰٓ ‎﴿٢٦﴾‏

How many an angel there is in the heavens whose intercession is of not any avail, except after Allah permits whomever He wishes and approves of!

Allah makes a subtle point in this verse. He says that all the angels of Allah with all their glory and might cannot intercede with Him unless He allows them. Then, how can some unintelligible and valueless idols intercede on their behalf?

Verse 27: Attributing Female Names to Angels

Verse 27 of Surah Najm reads:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ لَيُسَمُّونَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ تَسْمِيَةَ ٱلْأُنثَىٰ ‎﴿٢٧﴾

Indeed those who do not believe in the Hereafter give female names to the angels.

This verse refers to the idolaters of the pre-Islamic era once again. They would give female names to the angels and assign them to their idols. These pagan Arabs did not believe in the Hereafter as the verse states.

Verse 28: Conjecture Cannot Substitute the Truth

Verse 28 of Surah Najm reads:

وَمَا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنْ عِلْمٍ ۖ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ ۖ وَإِنَّ ٱلظَّنَّ لَا يُغْنِى مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ شَيْـًٔا ‎﴿٢٨﴾

They do not have any knowledge of that. They follow nothing but conjectures, and conjecture is no substitute for the truth.

Those who worship idols and give female names to angels do not have certainty as to what they believe in. According to the above verse, they only follow conjectures and assumptions. A committed and believing individual never speaks without knowledge and awareness, and does not attribute something to someone without reason. Relying on conjecture and speculation is the characteristic of Satan and devilish individuals, and accepting superstitions and illusions is a sign of deviation and irrationality.

Verses 29-30: Avoid the World-Seekers

Verses 29-30 of Surah Najm read:

فَأَعْرِضْ عَن مَّن تَوَلَّىٰ عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَلَمْ يُرِدْ إِلَّا ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا ‎﴿٢٩﴾‏ ذَٰلِكَ مَبْلَغُهُم مِّنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ ‎﴿٣٠﴾

So avoid those who turn away from Our remembrance and desire nothing but the life of the world. (29) That is the ultimate reach of their knowledge. Indeed your Lord knows best those who stray from His way, and He knows best those who are [rightly] guided. (30)

Then, to clarify that this group is not of those who engage in reasoning and logic and that their love for the world and forgetfulness of the remembrance of Allah have immersed them in the muddy waters of these illusions and superstitions, it adds: “So turn away from whoever turns his back on Our remembrance and desires nothing but the worldly life.” (Quran 53:29)

The concept of “remembrance of Allah” has a broad meaning that encompasses any form of attention to Allah, whether through the Quran, rational evidence, or the traditions and the remembrance of the Day of Judgment.

Perhaps it is unnecessary to mention that the command to turn away from this group never contradicts the mission of the Prophet (s) in preaching. This is because preaching, warning, and giving glad tidings are specifically for cases where there is at least a possibility of influence. When certainty of the lack of influence exists, resources should not be wasted, and after presenting the arguments, it is appropriate to turn away.

In verse 30, Allah states that the ultimate knowledge that these people have is their superstitious beliefs. In the end, Allah highlights the fact that He knows who is rightly guided and who has gone astray. Those who disbelieve will incur His wrath and those who believe will obtain His favor. On the Day of Judgment, they will be held accountable for their deeds.

Verses 31-32: Who Are the Evildoers and the Righteous?

Verses 31-32 of Surah Najm read:

وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ لِيَجْزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسَٰٓـُٔوا۟ بِمَا عَمِلُوا۟ وَيَجْزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ بِٱلْحُسْنَى ‎﴿٣١﴾‏ ٱلَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَٰٓئِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ إِلَّا ٱللَّمَمَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَٰسِعُ ٱلْمَغْفِرَةِ ۚ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْ إِذْ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَإِذْ أَنتُمْ أَجِنَّةٌ فِى بُطُونِ أُمَّهَٰتِكُمْ ۖ فَلَا تُزَكُّوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۖ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰٓ ‎﴿٣٢﴾

To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, that He may requite those who do evil for what they have done, and reward those who do good with the best [of rewards]. (31) Those who avoid major sins and indecencies, apart from [minor and occasional] lapses. Indeed your Lord is expansive in [His] forgiveness. He knows you best since [the time] He produced you from the earth and since you were foetuses in the bellies of your mothers. So do not flaunt your piety: He knows best those who are Godwary. (32)

Since in the previous verses, there was talk about Allah’s knowledge regarding the astray and the guided, this verse continues with the same discourse:

“And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth.” (Quran 4:131)

Absolute ownership in the world of existence belongs to Him, as well as absolute sovereignty, and therefore, the management of the world of existence is also in His hands. Hence, none but Him is worthy of worship and intercession.

His great purpose in this vast creation is to guide humanity, the best of His creation, to perfection through the teachings of the prophets.

Therefore, at the end of the verse, as a result of this ownership, it states: “That He may requite those who do evil for what they have done, and reward those who do good with the best [of rewards].”

Verse 32 talks about those who do good and mentions some of their characteristics. They avoid major sins and indecencies, such as murder, fornication, adultery, usury, and theft. However, they may have some slip-ups here and there, which, if they quickly ask Allah’s forgiveness for committing those non-major sins, Allah forgives them.

The verse then goes on to talk about how our father Adam was made from the earth (clay). Then, we were fetuses in the wombs of our mothers. Allah then tells us not to boast about our own purity or righteousness because He knows best who the pious are.

Verse 33-38: The Man Who Spent a Little Despite Being Wealthy

Verses 33-38 of Surah Najm read:

أَفَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى تَوَلَّىٰ ‎﴿٣٣﴾‏ وَأَعْطَىٰ قَلِيلًا وَأَكْدَىٰٓ ‎﴿٣٤﴾‏ أَعِندَهُۥ عِلْمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ فَهُوَ يَرَىٰٓ ‎﴿٣٥﴾‏ أَمْ لَمْ يُنَبَّأْ بِمَا فِى صُحُفِ مُوسَىٰ ‎﴿٣٦﴾‏ وَإِبْرَٰهِيمَ ٱلَّذِى وَفَّىٰٓ ‎﴿٣٧﴾‏ أَلَّا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ ‎﴿٣٨﴾

Did you see him who turned away, (33) gave a little and held off? (34) Does he have the knowledge of the Unseen so that he sees? (35) Has he not been informed of what is in the scriptures of Moses, (36) and of Abraham, who fulfilled [his summons]: (37) that no bearer shall bear another’s burden, (38)

Verses 33-34 are said to be about a man named Walid ibn Mughayra. It is said that he went to the Prophet (s) and almost converted to Islam. Some of the polytheists reproached him and said, “You abandoned the religion of our elders, you considered them misguided, and you thought they will go to hell!” He said, “Indeed, I am afraid of the punishment of God!” Then he was told, “If you give me some of your wealth and become a polytheist again, I will bear the burden of your punishment!” Walid ibn Mughayra did that. However, he did not give the sum of money that he had promised. These verses were revealed criticizing Walid for abandoning his faith in Allah.

Does he know about the Unseen that he thinks one can buy his burden of deeds to be placed on another? Has he not read the scriptures of Moses and Abraham, where it says, “No bearer shall bear another’s burden?” Therefore, this man had gone astray.

Verses 39-41: Man Acquires What He Strives for

Verses 39-41 of Surah Najm read:

وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ ‎﴿٣٩﴾‏ وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُۥ سَوْفَ يُرَىٰ ‎﴿٤٠﴾‏ ثُمَّ يُجْزَىٰهُ ٱلْجَزَآءَ ٱلْأَوْفَىٰ ‎﴿٤١﴾

And that nothing belongs to man except what he strives for, (39) and that he will soon be shown his endeavour, (40) then he will be rewarded for it with the fullest reward; (41)

These verses are mentioning the things stated in the scriptures of Moses and Ibrahim. Verse 39 draws attention to the fact that whatever we gain in this world is dependent on our effort. If we really want to obtain something, we must work hard to obtain it. Otherwise, Allah will not give it to us. “God helps those who help themselves.” Then, he will see the fruits of his endeavor and will be rewarded for it. For example, if a person works hard to earn a degree, he will eventually obtain it. However, if he does not put enough effort into it, he will never obtain it.

Verses 42-44: To Allah Is the Final Destination

Verses 42-44 of Surah Najm read:

وَأَنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ٱلْمُنتَهَىٰ ‎﴿٤٢﴾‏ وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ أَضْحَكَ وَأَبْكَىٰ ‎﴿٤٣﴾‏ وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ أَمَاتَ وَأَحْيَا ‎﴿٤٤﴾‏

And that the terminus is toward your Lord, (42) that it is He who makes [men] laugh, and weep, (43) that it is He who brings death and gives life, (44)

Everyone will meet their Lord when they die. This is a point that is made in verse 42 of Surah Najm. Allah is the one who makes people laugh and cry, and He is the one who causes death and gives life. These are all facts that Allah beautifully draws attention to with sheer eloquence and in the form of rhyming verses. This harmony and music of the Quran is a testament to the miraculous nature of this holy book.

Verses 45-48: Allah Created Us and Sustains Us

Verses 45-48 of Surah Najm read:

وَأَنَّهُۥ خَلَقَ ٱلزَّوْجَيْنِ ٱلذَّكَرَ وَٱلْأُنثَىٰ ‎﴿٤٥﴾‏ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ إِذَا تُمْنَىٰ ‎﴿٤٦﴾‏ وَأَنَّ عَلَيْهِ ٱلنَّشْأَةَ ٱلْأُخْرَىٰ ‎﴿٤٧﴾‏ وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ أَغْنَىٰ وَأَقْنَىٰ ‎﴿٤٨﴾‏

that it is He who created the mates, the male and the female, (45) from a drop of [seminal] fluid when emitted; (46) that with Him lies the second genesis, (47) that it is He who enriches and grants possessions, (48)

Verse 45 states that Allah created the male and female pairs. This recognition of the complementary nature of genders acknowledges the divine wisdom in the design of human beings. It underscores the importance of balance and harmony between men and women in society.

Verse 46 highlights the miraculous nature of human creation. It emphasizes that both males and females are developed from a single drop of fluid, denoted by the Arabic term “nutfah.” This term refers to the male and female reproductive fluids, emphasizing the common origin of all human beings.

Verse 47 draws attention to the resurrection of human beings on the Day of Judgment. The same Allah who originated all human beings has the power to bring them back to life on the Day of Judgment. That is when he will judge them based on justice and fairness.

Verse 48 states that Allah, with His immense grace, not only fulfills human needs in material aspects but also provides continuous resources. In the realm of spiritual life, He addresses the needs of humans through the appointment of messengers, the revelation of heavenly books, and the bestowal of elevated spiritual gifts.

Verse 49: The Lord of Sirius

Verse 49 of Surah Najm reads:

وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ رَبُّ ٱلشِّعْرَىٰ ‎﴿٤٩﴾

It is He who is the Lord of Sirius.

Sirius is a binary star system located in the constellation Canis Major. It is the brightest star visible in the night sky and is often referred to as the “Dog Star.” The presence of Sirius in the night sky has been of great cultural and astronomical significance throughout history, and its brightness and proximity continue to fascinate astronomers and stargazers alike. The Arab polytheists at the time of the Prophet (s) used to worship Sirius. Allah says in verse 49 of Surah Najm that He is the one who created Sirius and is the Lord of Sirius. Therefore, He alone deserves worship, not a star such as Sirius.

Verses 50-54: The Nations That Allah Annihilated

Verses 50-54 of Surah Najm read:

وَأَنَّهُۥٓ أَهْلَكَ عَادًا ٱلْأُولَىٰ ‎﴿٥٠﴾‏ وَثَمُودَا۟ فَمَآ أَبْقَىٰ ‎﴿٥١﴾‏ وَقَوْمَ نُوحٍ مِّن قَبْلُ ۖ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ هُمْ أَظْلَمَ وَأَطْغَىٰ ‎﴿٥٢﴾‏ وَٱلْمُؤْتَفِكَةَ أَهْوَىٰ ‎﴿٥٣﴾‏ فَغَشَّىٰهَا مَا غَشَّىٰ ‎﴿٥٤﴾

It is He who destroyed the former ‘Ad, (50) and Thamud, sparing none [of them]; (51) and the people of Noah before that; indeed they were more unjust and rebellious; (52) and He overthrew the town that was overturned, (53) covering it with what covered it. (54)

Long ago, there were two Arabian tribes known as ‘Ad and Thamud. These tribes were known for their imposing stature and strength, and they possessed the ability to carve homes out of mountains. However, they were immersed in the worship of idols and refused to heed the calls of their prophets, who urged them to worship only Allah and abandon their idolatry. They challenged the prophets, stating that if they were truthful, Allah would punish them. Consequently, Allah’s punishment befell these tribes, leading to their complete destruction.

Verse 52 mentions the people of Noah (Nuh), who similarly rejected him and faced a severe flood as a consequence. Verse 53 and 54 allude to the city of Sodom, which was overthrown due to the disobedience of the people of Prophet Lut (Lot). These examples serve as reminders of the consequences that befell those who disregarded their prophets and defied the commandments of Allah.

Verse 55: Allah’s Bounties Are Indisputable

Verse 55 of Surah Najm reads:

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكَ تَتَمَارَىٰ ‎﴿٥٥﴾

Then which of the bounties of your Lord will you dispute?

After mentioning all the bounties that Allah has bestowed on His creation, in this verse, Allah asks us why some of us still deny and dispute them. All the things that we enjoy in this world are Allah’s bounties. He is the one who has given them to us. Then, why is it that some still dispute the bounties of their Lord?

Verse 56: Warners of the Old

Verse 56 of Surah Najm reads:

هَٰذَا نَذِيرٌ مِّنَ ٱلنُّذُرِ ٱلْأُولَىٰٓ ‎﴿٥٦﴾

This is a warner, [in the tradition] of the warners of old.

Allah, in concluding this surah and the subsequent verses, affirms that everything recited in this surah serves as a warning for those who are open to receiving it. The manner of this warning, according to Allah, follows the tradition of previous warners. Throughout the surah, numerous stories were mentioned and profound insights were presented. This surah stands as an admonition for anyone seeking success in both this worldly life and the Hereafter. It offers valuable guidance and serves as a reminder of the consequences of one’s actions.

Verses 57-58: The Hour Is Near

Verses 57-58 of Surah Najm read:

أَزِفَتِ ٱلْـَٔازِفَةُ ‎﴿٥٧﴾‏ لَيْسَ لَهَا مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ كَاشِفَةٌ ‎﴿٥٨﴾

The Imminent [Hour] is near at hand. (57) There is none who may unveil it besides Allah. (58)

When one thinks of it, the Day of Judgment is not too far away. We only live in this world for a couple of decades, and when we die, we are held accountable for our deeds. It is mentioned that a small-scale Day of Judgment takes place after an individual’s death. Allah states in the Quran that on the Day of Resurrection, people will perceive their worldly life as merely a day or a part of it. This signifies the transient nature of our earthly existence and emphasizes that the Day of Judgment is imminent and will soon be witnessed.

In verse 58, Allah says that no one knows when that day will come except Allah. So whoever claims that the Day of Judgment will be in such and such a year, they are lying. Only Allah knows when the Day of Judgment will come, and it will be unexpected.

Verses 59-62: This Discourse Is Not Surprising

Verses 59-62 of Surah Najm read:

أَفَمِنْ هَٰذَا ٱلْحَدِيثِ تَعْجَبُونَ ‎﴿٥٩﴾‏ وَتَضْحَكُونَ وَلَا تَبْكُونَ ‎﴿٦٠﴾‏ وَأَنتُمْ سَٰمِدُونَ ‎﴿٦١﴾‏ فَٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِلَّهِ وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ۩ ‎﴿٦٢﴾‏

Will you then wonder at this discourse, (59) and laugh and not weep, (60) while you remain heedless?! (61) So prostrate yourselves to Allah and worship Him! (62)

So Allah in these verses concludes this surah by saying, “Do think the things said in this surah were surprising and wonderful?” Do you laugh and not weep? That is because many of the things said in this surah were contemplative. It is certainly not deserving to laugh at the things said in this surah, but rather weep as many things that cause one to think deeply about the consequences of one’s actions were mentioned. Verse 61 advises us not to be heedless of Allah’s words. At the end of the surah and as the last verse, Allah orders us to prostrate to Him and worship Him. Whoever recites verse 62 of Surah Najm must go to sajdah immediately because it is a verse of obligatory sajdah.

Benefits and Virtues of Reciting Surah Najm

• About the virtue of this surah, it has been said that the reciter of this surah will become loved among people.
• Whoever recites Surah Najm during the day or at night will live righteously among people and his sins will be forgiven.

Conclusion

Surah Najm began with Allah swearing by the star as it sets, to say that the Prophet (s) has not gone astray. The surah continues by saying that what the Prophet speaks is the Quran, the revelation of Allah. The mighty angel Jibril taught it to him. Then the surah begins to talk about the false beliefs of the idolaters and polytheists of Mecca. They gave female names to the angels and attributed them to their idols. They said sons were for them and daughters were for Allah. Allah questions all of these beliefs and rejects them. Surah Najm also teaches us things such as others not bearing the burden of our deeds, man not gaining anything unless he strives for it, Allah being the ultimate destination, He being the one who makes people laugh or weep, and He being the one who gives life and causes death. Surah Najm ends with Allah’s command of prostration toward Himself.

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References

[1] Cf. Quran 16:16.

[2] Cf. Quran 37:6.  

[3] Cf. Quran 49:13.