A Call to Attestation and Compliance
A Call to Attestation and Compliance
Surat An-Najm is the fifty-third surah according to the order of the Uthmani Mus’haf and the twenty-third surah in the order of revelation. It was revealed after Surah Al-Ikhlas and before Surah Abasa. It is a Meccan surah, as Ibn Atiya stated: “by the interpreters' consensus”. It has sixty-two verses.
Surat An-Najm emphasizes the significance of divine revelation and Allah's message as a steadfast foundation for knowledge and enlightenment. This Surah inspires Muslims to attest to the matters of the Unseen and generate and foster certainty through the continuous seeking of understanding and reflecting upon Allah's creational and revelational signs. The Surah also encourages them not to dispute these certainties. It affirms that the Prophet, peace be upon him, was always guided and correct, never speaking falsehoods or expressing personal desires. Instead, his every word stemmed from divine revelation. The Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet through the mighty angel Gabriel. Peace be upon him; it stands as the most reliable source of wisdom and understanding. Let this be a beacon of motivation for us to seek knowledge with faith and find in the divine revelation a light that guides our path through life's journey, inspiring us to strive for greatness in our inner and outer worlds.
Insights and Events Surrounding Surat Al-Najm
Both Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "The first surah in which a prostration was revealed is (An-Najm). The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, prostrated, and those behind him did as well, except for one man whom I saw take a handful of soil and prostrate on it. I saw him later killed as a disbeliever; he was Umayyah bin Khalaf."
This narration highlights the significance of Surat Al-Najm in the Islamic tradition as the first surah containing a verse of prostration (Sajdah). The prostration by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his followers upon its recitation demonstrates the immediate and unconditional obedience to Allah's commands. The exception of Umayyah bin Khalaf, who later died as a disbeliever, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of rejecting faith and the importance of sincere submission to Allah.
Al-Bukhari and Muslim also narrated from Zaid ibn Thabit that may Allah be pleased with him: "he recited (An-Najm) to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and he did not prostrate during it."
This account presents a notable deviation from the customary practice of prostrating upon hearing the verse of Sajdah in Surat Al-Najm. The instance where the Prophet, peace be upon him, refrained from prostrating highlights that performing Sujud at-Tilawah (the prostration of recitation) is recommended, rather than obligatory.
Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, who said: "The Prophet, peace be upon him, prostrated during An-Najm, and the Muslims, the polytheists, the humans, and the jinn prostrated with him."
This narration beautifully illustrates the universal acknowledgment of the Prophet's prophethood and the truth of the Quran. The prostration of not only Muslims but also polytheists, humans, and jinn indicate the profound impact of Surat Al-Najm's revelation. It underscores the surah's powerful call to submission before Allah, transcending the usual boundaries of faith and disbelief, and highlighting the unity of creation in recognizing the Creator's majesty.
Bridging Surat At-Tur and Surat Al-Najm
From the Stars' Disappearance to Divine Affirmation:In the Quran, the seamless transition from Surat At-Tur to Surat Al-Najm presents a profound connection that intertwines the celestial phenomena with the divine validation of the Prophet's message.
Surat At-Tur concludes with an invocation to glorify Allah's praises "in the night-time" and particularly "at the disappearance of the stars" (Quran 52:49), symbolizing moments when darkness gives way to dawn, marking the end of night and the beginning of a new day.
This reference to the stars, signifying transitions and transformations, is further elaborated at the beginning of Surat Al-Najm. Here, Allah swears "By the Stars when it goes down, (or vanishes)" (Quran 53:1), a moment captured not just as a daily celestial event but as a metaphor for divine action against those who dare to intercept the heavenly messages, striking rebellious devils who eavesdrop on the angelic communications.
The oath by the vanishing stars underscores the Almighty's affirmation of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) truthfulness. Just as stars guide travelers in the darkness of night, so does the Prophet's guidance illuminate the path to righteousness. Unlike the fleeting visibility of stars that may be obscured by clouds, the daylight, or divine intervention against the devils, the guidance offered through the Quran and Sunnah remains unaltered, a constant beacon of light for humanity until the end of time.
Surat At-Tur also addresses the accusations leveled against the Prophet (PBUH) by the disbelievers—claims of poetry, soothsaying, and madness, and the unfounded allegation of fabricating the Quran. Allah's response in At-Tur, "So remind [them], for you are not, by the favor of your Lord, a soothsayer or a madman" (At-Tur:29), and "Or do they say, 'He has made it up'? Rather, they do not believe" (At-Tur:33), reiterates the divine origin of the Prophet's message and his impeccable integrity.
Surat Al-Najm further solidifies this divine endorsement, detailing the Prophet's unwavering steadfastness and the celestial tutelage under Jibril (Gabriel), emphasizing that the revelations received are not born of personal desire but are divine inspirations imparted by the Almighty.
In weaving together, the narratives of these Surahs, from celestial observations to the affirmation of prophetic truth, the Quran offers not just a defense of the Prophet's legitimacy but a comprehensive framework for understanding the depth and durability of the divine message. This narrative arc, from the disappearance of stars to the unequivocal confirmation of the Prophet's mission, encapsulates the enduring legacy of divine guidance, standing as an eternal testament to the truth and the path laid out for the believers.
The Parallels Between Stars and The Faithful Servants
The Quran and Sunnah beautifully illustrate the correlation between the stars in the heavens and the faithful servants of the Merciful One, highlighting their roles in the celestial and terrestrial realms. This analogy encompasses their guidance, role in protecting revelation, and function as adornments for the sky and humanity. This profound connection is depicted in both the Quran and the Sunnah, offering a rich tapestry of meanings and responsibilities that these symbols carry.
In Surat Al-Furqan, Allah introduces the characteristics of the faithful servants of the Truthful One alongside the stars in the heavens: "Blessed be He Who has placed in the heaven big stars and has placed therein a great lamp (sun), and a moon giving light. And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for those who desire to remember or show his gratitude. And the slaves of the Most Beneficent (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply with mild words of gentleness" (Al-Furqan: 61-63).
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, drew a parallel between the stars and his companions in a poignant hadith. After praying Maghrib together, the Prophet acknowledged his companions' decision to wait and pray 'Isha with him as commendable. He then looked up to the sky, a gesture he often made, and shared a profound insight: "The stars are a security for the sky; when the stars go away, what is promised to the sky will come. And I am a security for my companions; when I leave, what is promised to my companions will come. And my companions are a security for my Ummah; when my companions go away, what is promised to my Ummah will come."
This narration, authenticated by Sahih Muslim and by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari, emphasizes the protective and guiding roles of the Prophet's companions, mirroring the stars' functions in the cosmos. Just as the stars safeguard the heavens, the companions, and by extension, the faithful servants of Allah, serve as protectors and guides for the Ummah, ensuring its guidance and safety until the end of time.
Through these divine and prophetic teachings, we are reminded of the critical roles that both celestial bodies and the righteous believers play in the grand scheme of creation. Their existence and duties are not just a matter of physical presence but are imbued with deeper spiritual significance, symbolizing guidance, protection, and the beauty of adherence to divine will.
RoadMap to Surat Al-Najm:
A Journey from Revelation to Prostration
The following roadmap through Surat Al-Najm illustrates a spiritual journey that begins with affirming the Quran's divine origin, navigating through the rejection of unfounded beliefs, and culminates in the ultimate act of submission to Allah. It underscores the surah's central message: the call to prostrate, submit, and worship Allah, guided by the light of true knowledge and faith.
Part I: Affirming Divine Revelation
In the opening verses of Surat Al-Najm, the authenticity and sacredness of the knowledge derived from divine revelation are firmly established. By swearing "By the star when it goes down," Allah introduces the surah with a powerful affirmation of the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) integrity and the divine origin of the Quran. These verses (1-18) not only confirm the truthfulness of the revelations received by the Prophet (ﷺ) through the angel Jibril but also emphasize the miraculous nature of the Prophet's (ﷺ) experiences, such as his vision during the Miraj. This segment lays the foundational belief in the Quran's sacredness, preparing the reader for the subsequent call to action.
Part II: Rejecting Baseless Traditions
Contrasting sharply with the divine source of knowledge, this section (verses 19-30) denounces the reliance on inherited practices, personal desires, conjectures, and illusions lacking divine sanction. By challenging the pagan Arabs' worship of deities like Al-Lat, Al-'Uzza, and Manat, and critiquing their arbitrary division of gender roles for angels, these verses dismantle the baseless beliefs and highlight the folly of following ancestral traditions over divine guidance. This critique extends to all forms of knowledge that divert from the truth revealed by Allah, emphasizing the importance of basing one's beliefs and actions on authenticated, divine revelation.
Part III: The Dichotomy of Guidance
The final segment of Surat Al-Najm (verses 31-62) encapsulates the outcomes for individuals based on their sources of knowledge and their response to divine guidance. It delineates the characteristics of those who follow the path of revelation, like Abdullah, who embodies the virtues of faith, patience, and humility. It contrasts them with those who, like Ronaldo, stray into misguidance due to their reliance on flawed sources of knowledge. This part highlights the consequences of one's choices in this life and the Hereafter, stressing accountability, the inevitability of death and resurrection, and ultimately, the significance of submission to Allah.
The culminating verse calls for prostration and worship of Allah alone, drawing a direct line from the affirmation of the Quran's truth to the physical expression of submission and devotion. This call to action is not merely a ritual act but a symbol of the ultimate surrender to Allah's will, inspired by certainty and attestation of His revelations.
Part I: Affirming Divine Revelation
Through an oath by the star, the Almighty confirms the integrity and prophetic mission of His esteemed Messenger. This analogy draws a parallel between the Prophet's (ﷺ) teachings and a luminous star illuminating the path through obscurity. While clouds may occasionally obscure a star's light, the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) remain undiminished, enduring through ages without modification, assured to last until the end of times.
Additionally, this Surah recounts the profound journey of Isra and Miraj. On this pivotal ascent, the Prophet (ﷺ) transitioned from understanding faith as an abstract concept to experiencing its realities firsthand, thus attaining the ultimate form of conviction. In this unparalleled experience, the Prophet (ﷺ) was granted the honor of witnessing Angel Gabriel in his true essence, an honor exclusively his, venturing to the Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, basked in divine luminescence. There, he was presented with the splendors of Allah’s creation, glimpses of the frequented house (Al-Bait Al-Ma'mur), vistas of Paradise and Hell, illustrating the fate reserved for those who defy the divine decree. This segment highlights the spiritual status and prophetic veracity bestowed upon him and cements the perpetual guidance akin to the stars' unwavering light in the celestial expanse.
Affirming Divine Revelation - Commentary
- By the star when it goes down, (or vanishes): This verse starts with an oath by Allah, using the star as a metaphor for guidance and navigation. It emphasizes the moment of revelation and its clarity, much like a star that guides through darkness.
- Your companion (Muhammad) has neither gone astray nor has erred: This affirms the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) steadfastness and reliability as a messenger of Allah, emphasizing his righteousness and the accuracy of the message he delivers.
- Nor does he speak of (his own) desire: This verse clarifies that the Prophet's (ﷺ) teachings are not based on personal whims or desires but are divine revelations from Allah, ensuring their purity and authenticity.
- It is only an Inspiration that is inspired: Highlighting that every word spoken by the Prophet (ﷺ) in the context of the Quranic revelation is directly inspired by Allah, underscoring the sacredness of the Quranic message.
- He has been taught (this Qur'an) by one mighty in power [Jibril (Gabriel)]: Signifies the direct transmission of knowledge from the divine through Angel Jibril (Gabriel) to the Prophet (ﷺ), emphasizing the credibility and divine origin of the Quran.
- Dhu Mirrah (free from any defect in body and mind), Fastawa [then he (Jibril - Gabriel) rose and became stable]: Describes the perfection and stature of Angel Jibril, highlighting the nobility of the source of revelation.
7-9. While he [Jibril (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, Then he [Jibril (Gabriel)] approached and came closer And was at a distance of two bows' length or (even) nearer: These verses depict the closeness of the divine message, illustrating the intimate moment of revelation where the angel Gabriel comes extremely close to the Prophet (ﷺ) to convey Allah's words.
- So did (Allah) convey the Inspiration to His slave [Muhammad through Jibril (Gabriel)]: Affirms the process of revelation, emphasizing that Muhammad (ﷺ) is a devoted servant of Allah, chosen to receive and deliver the divine message.
- The (Prophet's) heart lied not (in seeing) what he (Muhammad) saw: This asserts the truthfulness and the spiritual vision of the Prophet (ﷺ), verifying that his experiences during the Miraj were real and not a figment of imagination.
- Will you then dispute with him (Muhammad) about what he saw [during the Miraj: (Ascent of the Prophet over the seven heavens)]: Challenges the skeptics, affirming the authenticity of the Prophet's (ﷺ) heavenly journey and the visions he was granted.
13-18. From his second descent near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha, to witnessing the Paradise of Abode and the covering of the lote-tree: These verses detail the extraordinary experiences of the Prophet (ﷺ) during his ascension, witnessing the ultimate signs of Allah's creation and the boundaries of the celestial realms. They emphasize the spiritual elevation of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the grandeur of the revelations he received, serving as a foundation for the call to prostration and submission that concludes the surah.
These verses from Surat Al-Najm affirm the authenticity and the divine origin of the Quranic revelation and set a profound context for understanding the importance of submission and worship of Allah, leading to the concluding call to prostration.
Part II: Rejecting Baseless Traditions
Surat Al-Najm draws a sharp contrast between the divine path and the misguided practices of those ensnared by conjectures and illusions. It depicts the folly of idol worship, where man-made objects are revered and mistakenly called by names that belong to the divine realm, such as "the deity," "the mighty," and "the benefactor." These idols, falsely endowed with the ability to intercede, are figments of ancestral traditions, devoid of any real power or divine endorsement.
This Surah is a compelling call to abandon the mirages of baseless beliefs and anchor our faith in the unshakeable truth of divine revelation. It invites us to introspect deeply about the essence of our devotion, steering us towards establishing a direct and sincere relationship with Allah, the only true source of support and intercession.
Let this be a beacon of motivation for us to shed the weight of unfounded attachments and earnestly turn our hearts towards Allah. By embracing this call, we embark on a journey illuminated by genuine faith and divine wisdom, moving away from the uncertainties of disbelief and towards the comforting assurance of Allah's guidance and grace.
Rejecting Baseless Traditions - Commentary
19-20. Idols Al-Lat, Al-'Uzza, and Manat: These verses call attention to the folly of idol worship practiced by the pagans, who revered Al-Lat, Al-'Uzza, and Manat. The surah highlights the absurdity of attributing divine powers to mere idols by questioning the audience about these deities, underscoring the lack of divine sanction for such practices.
- Unjust Division of Gender Roles for Angels: This verse critiques the pagan Arabs' practice of attributing gender to angels, assigning them as females, which reflects their unjust and unfounded notions of divinity. It points out the arbitrary and unfair division that contradicts the essence of divine creation.
22-23. Condemnation of Idol Names: These verses reject the names and attributes assigned to idols by the pagans, emphasizing that such designations have no basis in divine revelation. It underscores the importance of adhering to guidance from Allah, rather than following inherited conjectures.
24-25. Human Desires vs. Divine Will: The text contrasts human wishes with the reality of divine will, reminding us that not all desires are fulfilled according to one’s whims. It reaffirms Allah’s sovereignty over all existence, including the Hereafter and this world, guiding us to submit to His will.
- Intercession Belongs to Allah: This verse clarifies that intercession in the hereafter is a matter solely under Allah’s discretion. It serves as a reminder that no angel or other being can intercede on behalf of anyone without Allah’s permission, emphasizing His ultimate authority.
- Misconceptions about Angels: Highlighting the ignorance behind pagan beliefs, especially their attributing female characteristics to angels, this verse challenges the baseless speculations and emphasizes the need for knowledge grounded in truth.
28-29. The Futility of Guesswork: These verses call out the reliance on guesswork and conjecture in matters of faith, urging a return to the Quranic reminder. It advocates for pursuing a life informed by divine guidance rather than mere speculation or the allure of worldly life.
- Divine Omniscience: Concluding this section, the surah reaffirms Allah’s omniscience, stressing that He alone knows who strays from the path and receives guidance. This is a comforting reminder of Allah’s comprehensive understanding of His creation, encouraging trust in His judgment and guidance.
Through these verses, Surat Al-Najm powerfully advocates for rejecting baseless traditions and embracing beliefs and practices founded on divine guidance. It urges the believers to cleanse their hearts of false attachments, directing them towards the light of certainty and the grace of divine wisdom.
Part III: The Impact of Authentic Knowledge vs. Delusional Beliefs on Life's Journey
Surat Al-Najm vividly contrasts the influence of authentic knowledge, derived from Allah's divine revelations, against the disarray spawned by delusional beliefs. It illustrates how Allah's majestic power, demonstrated through creating pairs among all creatures, guides us towards recognizing the creator's unparalleled authority. This recognition prompts a call to reject the chaos of illusions and the entrapment of baseless conjectures, steering individuals towards enlightenment and clarity.
The Surah emphasizes the significance of sourcing our understanding from Allah's unadulterated guidance, a foundation that ensures our journey through life is marked by purpose, tranquility, and eventual salvation. It underscores the perils of succumbing to the whims of doubt and the mirages of unfounded beliefs, which lead individuals down a path of confusion and despair.
Authentic knowledge acts as a beacon, illuminating the path towards righteousness, where individuals are inspired to live by Allah's will, finding solace in His decrees and wisdom. This path is characterized by a profound sense of peace, a clear conscience, and a faith steadfastness that transcends worldly distractions' temporary allure.
Conversely, the pursuit of delusional beliefs and the reliance on speculative knowledge create a trajectory marred by uncertainty and instability. Individuals who tread this path are veering away from the truth, entangled in a web of skepticism that distances them from the divine light of guidance.
Surat Al-Najm serves as a compelling reminder of the transformative power of divine revelation in shaping the destinies of individuals. It calls upon us to embrace the purity of authentic knowledge, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions. By doing so, we align ourselves with a life of fulfillment, guided by divine wisdom, and secure in the promise of eternal serenity in the hereafter.
In essence, the Surah delineates two distinct paths: one illuminated by the clarity and truth of divine guidance, leading to salvation and peace; the other obscured by the shadows of doubt and falsehood, leading to spiritual disarray. The path choice profoundly influences the course of an individual's life, determining their journey towards either enlightenment or misguidance.
To showcase the effects of genuine knowledge versus illusory beliefs, let's examine two characters: Abdullah, shaped by the truths of authentic knowledge, and Ronaldo, influenced by the shadows of delusional beliefs.
Attributes of Abdullah (Conviction and Attestation)
Abdullah's attributes in light of Surah Al-Najm enriches the depiction of his faith and attestation to the divine message. Here is an integrated enhancement of Abdullah's attributes, reflecting the profound verses of Surah Al-Najm:
- Unwavering Faith Anchored in Divine Revelation: Abdullah's faith is deeply rooted in the revelations of the Quran, inspired by the steadfastness of prophets like Ibrahim and Muhammad (PBUH), who received the ultimate truths directly from Allah through Jibril (Gabriel).
- Devotion to Prayer as Ascension: Abdullah's dedication to the five daily prayers is not just a ritual but an ascension, mirroring the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) journey during Miraj, where the command for prayer was given as a direct link to the divine.
- Recognition of Human Frailty and Divine Mercy: Understanding his human limitations, Abdullah quickly seeks Allah's forgiveness, reflecting on verses highlighting Allah's boundless mercy and the promise of resurrection, where each soul will be accounted for its deeds.
- Living by Example with Serene Conviction: Abdullah chooses not to dispute with those who diverge from his path, reflecting the Quranic guidance to withdraw from those who turn away from the Reminder and seek only this worldly life. His conviction is serene, rooted in the wisdom that true guidance and change of heart are bestowed by Allah alone.
- Embracing Divine Revelations and Signs: Abdullah sees the manifestations of Allah's will in the joy and sorrow of life, understanding deeply that life and death, and the creation of pairs, are signs of Allah's omnipotence. He contemplates the resurrection and the accountability that follows.
- Gratitude and Reflection on Divine Justice: Abdullah's gratitude extends to all aspects of divine provision, recognizing that Allah bestows wealth and contentment. He reflects on the stories of 'Ad, Thamud, and the people of Nuh—tales of divine justice as reminders for humanity.
- Awareness of the Unseen and Divine Sovereignty: Abdullah's faith encompasses an acceptance of the unseen, understanding that Allah's knowledge encompasses all that is hidden and apparent, from the creation of life from mere drops to the ultimate return to Allah.
- Reflection on Divine Messages and Warnings: Abdullah ponders over the Quranic recitals, including the stories of past peoples and the fate that befell them, seeing in them warnings and lessons for those who heed. He marvels at the Quran's revelations, understanding that the Day of Resurrection is a truth that draws ever nearer, a day when none but Allah can avert.
- Acknowledgment of Prophetic Examples: Abdullah draws inspiration from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who witnessed the Greatest Signs of his Lord and conveyed the divine message without falter. He sees the Prophet (PBUH) as the ultimate warner and a mercy to the worlds, whose teachings guide him toward the straight path.
- Embraces Peaceful Conviction: Abdullah refrains from engaging in debates and arguments with those who oppose his guidance, choosing instead to embody the serenity of faith. He understands the value of peaceful conviction and the power of exemplifying the teachings of Islam through character and conduct, rather than contention. This attribute highlights his deep respect for the principle that guidance comes from Allah alone, and it is not his place to dispute with those not yet touched by divine light.
- Prostration in Humble Submission: Inspired by the Quranic call to prostrate and worship Allah alone, Abdullah dedicates his life to sincere worship, understanding the fleeting nature of this world and the eternal significance of the Hereafter.
Through these enhanced attributes, Abdullah's life becomes a testament to a profound engagement with the Quranic message, embodying faith, contemplation, and submission to Allah's will, as illuminated by the verses of Surah Al-Najm.
Attributes of Ronaldo (Illusions and Unfounded Beliefs)
Ronaldo's attributes in light of Surat Al-Najm provides a deeper insight into his journey of illusions and unfounded beliefs, contrasting sharply with the path of conviction and attestation:
- Idolatry and Misplaced Faith: Ronaldo's worship of idols, including celestial entities like Sirius, showcases his deep immersion in practices devoid of divine sanction, directly contravening the monotheistic call of Islam as reaffirmed in Surat Al-Najm.
- Rejection of Divine Equity: His beliefs in gender superiority dismiss the Quranic revelation of creating pairs, male and female, from a single soul, showcasing a stark departure from recognizing Allah's wisdom in creation.
- Transient Devotion: Ronaldo embodies the warning against those who offer minimal faith before retreating, reflecting a lack of genuine commitment to divine guidance, as highlighted in the verses discussing fleeting belief.
- Denial of Prophetic Truths: His indifference to the scriptural lessons of prophets Musa and Ibrahim, and the prophetic vision during Miraj, underscores a disconnect from the continuum of divine messages intended to guide humanity.
- Dismissal of Eschatological Realities: Ronaldo's life, marked by neglect of Quranic admonitions and the imminent approach of the Day of Resurrection, illustrates a profound heedlessness to the fate awaiting disbelievers and sinners.
- Chasing Worldly Illusions: Engrossed in temporal pleasures, Ronaldo overlooks the Quranic exhortations to recognize the fleeting nature of worldly life and the enduring nature of the hereafter.
- Indifference to Divine Signs and Warnings: His apathy towards the historical accounts of 'Ad, Thamud, and the people of Nuh—nations that faced divine wrath for their disobedience—mirrors a failure to heed clear signs meant to avert similar downfall.
- Disregard for Spiritual Accountability: Ronaldo's lifestyle, characterized by laughter and diversion in the face of Quranic revelation and the absence of tears of awe or fear, starkly contrasts with the Quranic call to reflection and repentance.
- Abandonment of Sincere Worship: His failure to prostrate and worship Allah alone, especially in light of the Quran's clear guidance and the examples of sincere devotion demonstrated by prophets, highlights a profound spiritual void.
- Oblivion to Divine Compassion and Justice: Ronaldo's journey lacks appreciation for Allah's encompassing mercy and justice, attributes that offer redemption and guidance for those who turn to Him in sincere faith.
Through these enhanced attributes, Ronaldo's life is a cautionary tale of the dangers inherent in following baseless beliefs and ignoring the profound, timeless truths presented in Surat Al-Najm. His path starkly contrasts with Abdullah's, underscoring the Quranic message that true peace, salvation, and fulfillment lie in submission to Allah's will and adherence to His guidance.
Key insights and practices derived from Surat "Al-Najm":
In Surat Al-Najm, the emphasis on the message and its affirmation is paramount, typical of the Meccan surahs, underscoring the Messenger's (ﷺ) truthfulness in delivering Allah's revelations. The Surah affirms that the Quran is a divine revelation brought through Angel Gabriel, untainted by the accusations against it.
- Affirmation of Divine Revelation: The surah is dedicated to reinforcing the message, confirming the Messenger’s (ﷺ) sincerity in his divine mission, and refuting any claims against him. It asserts the Quran as a revelation from Allah, delivered by Gabriel.
- Miraj - A Consolation: It recounts the Miraj, a divine solace to the Prophet (ﷺ) following the "Year of Sorrow," showcasing the grandeur of divine signs witnessed at the Sidrat-ul-Muntaha and beyond.
- Critique of Polytheism: The surah criticizes the worship of idols and other beings created by humans, which lack any power to benefit or harm, highlighting the absurdity of the polytheists' practices and beliefs.
- Invalid Comparison: It invalidates the polytheists' analogy of the unseen with the observable world, guiding that such comparisons are misguided, as divine guidance offers the correct understanding.
- Prophet's Role: It directs the Prophet (ﷺ) to disengage from those who reject his call, emphasizing his role is not to convert the disbelievers forcibly but to convey the message, as accountability rests with Allah.
- Accountability and Reward: The surah speaks on the Day of Judgment, emphasizing individual accountability, where everyone will see the outcome of their endeavors and receive just recompense.
- Life and Death: It acknowledges Allah as the giver of life and death, highlighting the ultimate return to Him and His role as the creator of both genders.
- Falsity of Polytheism: It declares the doctrine of polytheism as inherently flawed, aligning the Islamic call with the messages of earlier prophets, focusing on belief in Allah, accountability in life, and the Day of Judgment.
- Consequences for Deniers: The surah concludes with examples of divine punishment meted out to nations that opposed their prophets, serving as a consolation to the Prophet (ﷺ) and a warning to the polytheists.
These key themes from Surat Al-Najm offer a rich tapestry of lessons for those nurtured by authentic knowledge. They underscore the importance of steadfastness in faith, the folly of idolatry, the significance of divine guidance, and the ultimate accountability before Allah. This guidance invites believers to a life of clarity and devotion, grounded in the unwavering truths of divine revelation, steering clear from the pitfalls of baseless beliefs, and leading towards eternal peace and salvation.
Derived Lessons:
- Divine oaths emphasize the significance of what is sworn upon, guiding us to reverence and sanctify Allah alone.
- The Prophet's (ﷺ) experiences with revelation underline his trustworthiness, leaving no room for doubt concerning his prophetic visions.
- Prayer is accentuated as an essential pillar of faith, central to the spiritual well-being of a believer.
- The critique of idol worship juxtaposes the futility of polytheism with the sovereignty of Allah.
- Authentic faith is highlighted as being rooted in undeniable proof and steadfast certainty.
- The surah champions equality, dismantling pre-Islamic biases and affirming the equal worth of all individuals.
- It discourages fruitless arguments with those averse to spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing guidance over contention.
- Individual accountability is stressed, with Allah's just recompense awaiting each soul based on their deeds.
- The narrative of repentance and mercy underscores Allah's readiness to forgive, advocating humility and self-reflection.
- The universal message shared by all prophets culminates in the finality of Muhammad’s (ﷺ) mission, marking a continuity of divine guidance.
- Allah's granting of unique emotional capacities to humans speaks to His supreme dominion and the special status of mankind.
- The surah assures the ultimate victory of good over evil, reinforcing the moral imperative to adhere to righteousness.
- The profound respect and contemplation of the Quran are deemed paramount, guiding believers towards a life of devotion, and understanding.
Through these teachings, Surah "An-Najm" illuminates the path for those seeking truth, guiding them from delusion towards the light of divine wisdom and eternal peace.