Summary of Quran Chapter 53, Surah An-Najm, The Star

Summary of Quran Chapter 53, Surah An-Najm, The Star 

This Surah (chapter) was revealed at the beginning of the life in Mecca. Some traditions suggest that it is the first Surah that you (Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) recited in public, and it was recited in a gathering that included both Muslims and a significant number of polytheists. It is also the first Surah in which the Ayat al-Sajdah (Verse of Prostration) was revealed. When you, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, recited the verse of prostration in front of that gathering, a remarkable incident occurred. Not only did you and the Muslims prostrate, but also the polytheists who were present there. 

Most likely, Surah's compelling and impactful content also compelled those who had doubts to prostrate alongside the Muslims. 

The primary theme of this Surah is to establish the prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him, and to emphasize that the revelations he received were from Allah alone, without any doubt. These revelations were brought by the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel). In this context, it is also mentioned that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, saw Angel Gabriel in his original form twice, one of which was during the event of the Isra and Mi'raj (the Night Journey and Ascension). 

Along with the confirmation of Prophet Muhammad's mission, the Surah addresses the erroneous beliefs of the Meccan polytheists and refutes some of their baseless claims. It also invites them to accept the truth and warns them about the consequences faced by previous nations due to their disbelief. 

An-Najm" in Arabic means "The Star," and since the first verse of this Surah begins with an oath by the star, it is named Surah An-Najm. 

(Second Opinion of Late Dr. Israr Ahmed, a Renowned Islamic Scholar). 

Introductory Remarks: 

We have already studied three Surahs from the second group of Meccan and Medinan Surahs. Surah Qaf is unique among them, while Surah Adh-Dhariyat and Surah At-Tur (The Mount) are paired. 

Surah Adh-Dhariyat mentions various prophets in the style of the stories of the messengers. At the same time, Surah At-Tur discusses the events of the Day of Judgment, paradise, hell, and the blessings and powers of Allah. 

Afterward, Surah An-Najm and Surah Al-Qamar, which are also paired, are included. Some of the themes in these two Surahs are quite complex. The relationship and similarities between these two Surahs are evident from their initial verses. The first verse of Surah An-Najm (The Star) mentions the falling star, while the first verse of Surah Al-Qamar (The Moon) refers to the splitting of the moon.