Islamic knowledge

Chapter 53/ Al Najm

Summary of the chapter & the links: 

1. Audio discussion of the chapter summary: 

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/9278c68e-e0ab-4a52-84a7-d34de4d223df/audio

2. Mesmerizing recitation of the chapter with English translation in txt.: https://surahquran.com/sorah-english-53.html

3. Free app for complete Quran , translations in multiple world languages: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1118663303

4. Free app for complete Quran, recitation, multiple tafaseer, books of ahadees: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1006098149

Here is a comprehensive summary of Surah An-Najm (Chapter 53) from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an by Syed Abul Ala Maududi:

1. Introduction and Revelation Context

  • Name: Derived from the first word “وَالنَّجْمِ” (By the star), symbolizing the fading stars at dawn .
  • Revelation: Meccan period, revealed in Ramadan of the 5th year of Prophethood. It was the first surah recited publicly by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the Ka’bah, causing both Muslims and pagans to prostrate in awe .
  • Significance: Contains the first verse requiring sujūd al-tilāwah (prostration during recitation) .

2. Core Themes and Structure

I. Divine Origin of Revelation (Verses 1–18)

  • Affirmation of Prophethood: The opening verses refute pagan accusations that Muhammad (ﷺ) was misguided or deluded. He speaks solely from divine revelation (verse 3–4) .
  • Vision of Angel Jibrīl: The Prophet witnessed Jibrīl in his true form twice—near the Sidrat al-Muntahā (Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary) and in Makkah. This vision confirmed the authenticity of the Qur’an (verses 7–18) .
  • Rejection of “Gharaniq” Myth: Maududi dismisses the fabricated story that pagans interpolated verses praising their idols, calling it a lie invented to justify their accidental prostration .

II. Critique of Polytheism (Verses 19–30)

  • Condemnation of Idols: Exposes the absurdity of worshipping goddesses Al-Lāt, Al-Uzzā, and Manāt (verses 19–20). These deities were mere names invented by pagans without divine authority .
  • Rebuke of Angel Worship: Criticizes the pagan belief that angels were Allah’s “daughters,” highlighting the inconsistency of assigning gender to divine beings (verse 21–23) .
  • Warning Against Assumptions: Polytheism stems from conjecture (al-ẓann) and selfish desires, not divine guidance (verse 28) .

III. Eschatology and Human Accountability (Verses 31–62)

  • Resurrection and Judgment: Emphasizes Allah’s omnipotence over life, death, and the inevitable Day of Resurrection. Humans cannot evade accountability (verses 31–32, 57–58) .
  • Moral Indictment: Criticizes the pagans’ frivolity—laughing at the truth instead of weeping over their spiritual decline (verse 60–61) .
  • Call to Prostration: The surah culminates in a command to prostrate solely before Allah, reinforcing tawḥīd (monotheism) (verse 62) .

3. Key Theological Arguments

  • Revelation vs. Desire: The Prophet’s message is entirely revelation (waḥy), not personal opinion .
  • Allah’s Lordship: Verse 49 affirms Allah as “Lord of Sirius” (Ash-Shi’rā), refuting star-worshipping practices .
  • Rejection of Intercession: Idols and angels hold no power to intercede—a direct challenge to pagan theology .

4. Practical Implications for the Muslim Community

  • Resistance to Opposition: Muslims must confront false beliefs confidently, trusting divine revelation over pagan ridicule .
  • Spiritual Vigilance: The surah warns against moral complacency, urging self-reform before the imminent Hereafter .

Table: Key Messages for Different Audiences in Surah An-NajmAudienceMessageVersesBelieversAffirmation of the Prophet’s truth; call to steadfastness and prostration.1–4, 62PagansRefutation of idolatry; warning against mockery and false beliefs.19–23, 59–61People of the BookCritique of angel worship; emphasis on monotheism.21–23, 27–28

5. Conclusion

Surah An-Najm dismantles Meccan paganism by affirming the Qur’an’s divine origin, exposing the irrationality of idol worship, and summoning humanity to submit to Allah. Its public recitation marked a turning point in Islamic daʿwah, demonstrating the Qur’an’s transformative power . Maududi underscores its timeless relevance: truth transcends cultural superstitions, and divine guidance demands unwavering submission.

For further study, refer to Tafheem-ul-Qur’an (Surah 53) .

Surah An-Najm (Chapter 53) of the Qur’an, as explained in Tafheem-ul-Qur’an by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, emphasizes the divine origin of the Qur’an, the truth of the Prophet’s mission, the refutation of idolatry, and the accountability of all actions on the Day of Judgment. Below is a summary based solely on the Tafheem-ul-Qur’an commentary:

  1. Divine Revelation and the Prophet’s Vision (Verses 1-12): The Surah begins with an oath by the star as it sets, affirming that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) does not speak from his own desire but conveys divine revelation. It describes his vision of the angel Gabriel in his true form, near the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary, during the Mi’raj (ascension), confirming the truth of his spiritual experience. The Surah refutes claims that the Prophet is misguided or fabricating the revelation.
  2. Refutation of Idolatry (Verses 13-22): The Surah recounts a second vision of Gabriel, reinforcing the authenticity of the Prophet’s revelations. It condemns the polytheists’ worship of idols like Lat, Uzza, and Manat, calling them mere names without divine authority. The disbelievers’ preference for male offspring while attributing daughters to Allah is criticized as irrational and baseless.
  3. False Beliefs and Allah’s Sovereignty (Verses 23-30): The Surah rejects the disbelievers’ reliance on conjecture and intercession by idols, asserting that only Allah grants intercession. It criticizes those who turn away from divine guidance, following their desires, and lack true knowledge. Allah knows best who is guided and who is astray.
  4. Allah’s Power and Human Accountability (Verses 31-41): The Surah emphasizes Allah’s dominion over the heavens and earth, His knowledge of all actions, and His ability to reward or punish. Every soul will be recompensed for its deeds, with the righteous earning rewards through their efforts. The Surah underscores that worldly gains and offspring cannot avert Allah’s judgment.
  5. Historical Lessons and Monotheism (Verses 42-54): The Surah references the destruction of past nations like ‘Ad, Thamud, Noah’s people, and the people of Lot for their disbelief, serving as warnings to the Quraysh. It affirms Allah as the Creator of all, who granted humans their faculties and determined their creation as male and female, rejecting polytheistic beliefs.
  6. Certainty of Judgment and Call to Repentance (Verses 55-62): The Surah warns of the approaching Day of Judgment, an undeniable reality that no one can avert. It urges the disbelievers to reflect on their heedlessness, fear Allah’s punishment, and turn to Him in repentance. The Prophet is instructed to continue his mission of warning, and humanity is called to prostrate and worship Allah alone.

Key Themes: Surah An-Najm affirms the divine origin of the Qur’an and the Prophet’s truthful mission, refuting accusations of fabrication or delusion. It condemns idolatry, emphasizes Allah’s oneness and power, and warns of accountability on the Day of Judgment through historical examples. The Surah calls for reflection, repentance, and submission to Allah, urging steadfastness in the face of disbelief.