Surah Najm, also known as “The Star,” is the 53rd chapter of the Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and consists of 62 verses. This surah holds great significance in the Islamic faith and carries profound messages for believers.
Surah Najm begins with the mention of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his unwavering dedication to delivering the divine message. The opening verses emphasize that the Prophet does not speak out of his own desires but conveys the revelations from Allah, the Almighty. This serves as a reminder to the people that the Quran is not a human creation but a divine scripture.
The surah then addresses the polytheists of Makkah, who accused the Prophet of fabricating the Quran. It highlights that the Prophet’s words are a result of divine inspiration, and he has seen the truth directly from Allah. The believers are encouraged to submit wholeheartedly to Allah and worship Him alone, abandoning the false deities they used to worship.
A pivotal event described in Surah Najm is the Prophet’s journey through the heavens, known as the Isra and Mi’raj. The surah alludes to this miraculous journey, where the Prophet ascended to the heavens, witnessed extraordinary signs, and received commandments from Allah. It is a testament to the Prophet’s status as the chosen messenger and serves as a confirmation of his prophethood.
Surah Najm also addresses the concept of intercession. The polytheists of Makkah believed in the existence of intercessors who could mediate between them and Allah. The surah refutes this notion, asserting that intercession belongs solely to Allah. No one can intercede except with His permission. It emphasizes the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, rejecting the belief in intermediaries.
Furthermore, Surah Najm emphasizes the importance of recognizing Allah’s signs in the natural world. It draws attention to celestial phenomena, such as stars and planets, as signs of Allah’s power and wisdom. The surah encourages reflection upon these signs as a means to strengthen faith and acknowledge the greatness of the Creator.
In addition, Surah Najm highlights the consequences of disbelief and disobedience. It narrates the stories of past nations who rejected their messengers and faced severe punishment as a result. These narratives serve as warnings to the people of Makkah and all subsequent generations, reminding them of the accountability they hold and the need to heed the divine message.
The surah concludes with a call to prostrate and worship Allah. It reminds the believers that their ultimate purpose is to devote themselves to Him and seek His pleasure. It emphasizes that every soul will be accountable for its own actions, and the rewards or punishments will be based on individual merit.
