An-Najm (ٱلنَّجْم)

Surah An-Najm is the 53rd chapter or surah of the blessed Quran. Also translated as the star or the unfolding, the surah has a total of 62 verses. It is positioned in Juz 27 and has 3 rukus. It is a Makki/Meccan surah. An-Najm was revealed upon the Prophet as during the first five years of his appointment as a Prophet, the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) was inviting people to the message of Islam in private settings, mostly in restricted meetings due to the strong resistance and opposition from the disbelievers. 

In spite of the threat of the non-believers who strongly opposed Islam, one day, the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) decided to make a speech in the holy confines of the Kabah, where many of the Quraish were present. When the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) started reciting the Quran in front of the disbelievers, they were so captivated and overwhelmed they could not fathom to react harshly, and when the Prophet (ﷺ) did the sajdah and fell in prostration, they followed him. Later, however, they felt remorse as they thought they had shown "weakness."

The theme of Surah An-Najm relates to this historical event and warns the Quraish and disbelievers regarding the harsh attitude that they displayed towards the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Quran. The name of the surah is taken from the first word of the first ayah of the surah. 

Subject Matter and Theme of An-Najm (النَّجْم)

Surah an-Najm starts with an oath typical of the Quran. 

وَالنَّجْمِ اِذَا ہَوٰى۝۱ۙ

By the star when it goes down, -

This beautiful surah tells the infidels that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) does not speak man-made words. He recites the message of Allah, the One True Mighty Creator. The surah elaborates on the unique and high stature of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), for he is exalted even among all the Prophets of Allah. In the 14th verse of the surah, Allah says that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) came to the Lote tree, beyond which none may pass, and beyond which is the Jannah. Allah says that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) saw the heaven and the hell and all the signs of Allah and conveyed them truly to all humans so they may be guided to the right path. 

Surah An-Najm goes on to warn the disbelievers for having doubts about the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) are absolutely false. Moreover, the religions they were following before, such as idolatry, are based on invented ideas and false beliefs. It makes them understand how Islam is the message of truth and reality and how knowledge determines the truth. However, when the disbelievers are presented with knowledge regarding the right path of Islam, they avoid it.

The surah also discusses the attribute of Allah as the sovereign of the entire universe as it is He alone who has created the universe and brought it to existence. It aims to deliver an important message that those who follow Allah's way will be on the right path in this life and the hereafter. However, those who are misguided and refuse to acknowledge the truth are not hidden from Allah and will be held accountable for their actions and deeds on the day of judgment. The surah also establishes an important lesson – Allah rewards good with good but also punishes evil with punishment. However, for those who refrain from major sins, Allah will bestow mercy upon them and overlook any minor sins they may engage in. 

Another significant theme in Surah an-Najm is the emphasis on the fact that Islam is the true religion and had been presented hundreds of years before the Quran, as well as in the books of Moses and Abraham. Moreover, they are also reminded that the punishments of the nations of Prophet Lut and Nuh, along with the destruction of Ad and Thamud, were not accidental calamities. Instead, they were the result of the nation's own consequences as they refused to acknowledge the truth and faith of Islam. 

Benefits and Virtues of Surah An-Najm (النَّجْم)

Surah an-Najm highlights the importance of sticking to Allah's guidance and orders for every believer. It reminds us to stick to the righteous path and do good, as everyone will be held accountable for whatever deeds and actions they exercise in their life. If one does good, he will be rewarded with good. However, those who practice evil will also meet their faith on the final day of judgment. Therefore, it's better to engage in righteous deeds and follow divine instructions to save one's self from Allah's wrath and punishment as there is certainly no escaping accountability for any human being.

The surah also articulates the perfection of Allah. It emphasizes Allah's power and accentuates His role as the sovereign and creator of the universe. Moreover, reciting surah an-Najm helps in spiritual fulfilment. The surah's words once reflected upon resonate with Muslims and offer a sense of solace and humility to strengthen their faith. Reading and recitation of the Quran has several benefits for every believer. Allah says in Surah Al-Isra:

"What We have sent down of the Qur'an is a healing and a grace for the faithful, and adds only loss for the sinners." – (17:82)

Reading the Quran also helps gain protection from hellfire. 

"Read the Qur'an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection." – Riyad-as-Salihin 991