The Glorious Qur`an

53: the Star (najm)

This chapter was revealed after Sincerity (or [God's] Oneness) 112, and before He Frowned! 80. It consists of three sections !0ntalning a total of 62 early Meccan verses, except for v. 32 which dates from Madina. The star referred to is variously stated to be either the morning and evening star which is called Venus in Western terminology, or else the dogstar or Sirius mentioned in iii, or perhaps the cluster of the Pleiades.

This chapter too is mystical and soaring in spirit, for it concerns the Mi'raj! or Ascension of the Prophet which is also described at the beginning of The Night Journey 17 (I). The first section announces Muhammad's call to prophethood and explains how intercession is of no avail; while the second emphasizes that God is Just. The complete vision is superb and should be studied carefully for inspiration.