53.

Sura Najm (or The Star)

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The impression received by the Prophet in Revelation is neither error

on his part nor deception by others, nor does he speak from selfish motives. It
comes clearly from God through a mighty powerful one (angel Gabriel), who
appeared to him (Prophet) in stately form while still in the highest part of the
horizon. Then he approached and came closer (to the Prophet) and conveyed
to him what God wanted to convey to His Servant (Muhammad SA). His heart
did not falsified what he saw. Will you then dispute with him concering what
he saw? Indeed, he saw him second time also near the Lote – tree beyond
which none may pass. Near this point is the Garden of Abode (the first
occasion when Gabriel appeared in a visible form was at the Mount of Light,
when he brought his first revelation. The second was at the Prophet’s Miraj or
Ascension. These were the only two occasions when Gabriel appeared in
visible form). The Prophet’s sight never swerved or went wrong. He saw the
Signs of his Lord, the Greatest (for the Prophet, it was the divine Glory in
heaven itself, and it was “shrouded in mystery unspeakable). This was indeed
the Greatest of the Signs of the Lord). Have you seen, the three principal
godesses of Pagan Arab Idolatry: Lat, Uzza and Manat? They all represented
God in female forms. Unfair division: For themselves they prefer male and for
Him (the image) is female. To show God in human shape, or imagine sons or
daughters of God, as if God were flesh. This was in any case a desecration
from the Supreme Glory of God, high above all creatures, even if the human
shapes were invested with great beauty and majesty. But when we consider in
what low opinion Pagan Arabia held the female sex, it was particularly
degrading to show God, or so-called daughter of God, in female shape. The
divine names which they give to stocks and stones, or to heroes living or dead,
or even to prophets and men of God, are but the creations of their own fancy.
Whatever they were, they were not gods. The unpurified desires of men’s
hearts often lead to destruction, for they are often dictated by Evil. The true
source of guidance and light is God, just as He is also the goal to which all
persons and things – all existence – returns. He is the Beginning and He is the
End of everything whatsoever. There are so many angels in the heavens, but
they have no authority to intercede except with his permission. Even that
permission shall be for one acceptable to God. These idolaters who have no
faith in the Hereafter, name the angels with the names of the females. They
follow their guess and guess can not take the place of Truth. O Muhammad
(SA), withdraw from those who reject Our Message and desire the life of this
world. God knows well who stray from His Path and those who receive
guidance. To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. That He may
reward those who do evil with that which they have done, and reward those
who do good with goodness. Those of you who avoid enormities of sin and
abominations but may fall into small faults, their Lord is of vast mercy. He is
best aware of you from the time he created you from the earth, and when you
were hidden in the bellies of your mothers. Therefore, justify not yourselves as
He knows best who it is that guards against evil.
 When once in God’s Way, turn not away, nor check your generous
impulse to give your all to God. The unseen spiritual world is above all
worldly bargains. What! has he the knowledge of the unseen so that he can
see? Is he not acquainted with what is in the Books of Moses and Abraham?
Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. That man
can have nothing, but what he strives for and the fruit of the striving soon
come in his sight. That ultimately everyone has to return to his Lord. That it is
He who give laughter and tears. That it is He Who gives death and life. That
He did create male and female from a seed when lodged in its place. That He
has promised a Second Creation (Raising of the Dead). That it is He Who give
wealth and satisfaction. That He is the Lord of Sirius (the Mighty Star, i.e. to
say mighty phenomenon of nature). The eleventh and last aphorism refers to
the punishment of the most powerful ancient people of ’Ad, Thamud and
Noah, for their sins. They rejected the Prophets sent to them for their
guidance. These people were insolent transgressors. Also He destroyed the
Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Why not accept God’s Grace instead of
disputing about it. The Day of Judgement is coming near and nearer. But God
alone can say at what precise hour it will come. It is certain, and yet it is a
mystery, which God alone can lay bare. Mere wondering will not do, even if it
is the wonder of admiration. The higher issues of Life and Hereafter are
serious. It is no laughing time. If you only realize your own shortcomings, you
will weep. So you should prostrate to God and Glorify Him.