Surah An-Najm (سُورَةُ النَّجۡمِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir

Overview

An-Najm (سُورَةُ النَّجۡمِ) — "The Star" is the 53rd chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 62 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.

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Selected Verses

Verse 1

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ وَٱلنَّجْمِ إِذَا هَوَىٰ

CONSIDER this unfolding [of God’s message], as it comes down from on high!

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Verse 2

مَا ضَلَّ صَاحِبُكُمْ وَمَا غَوَىٰ

This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded,

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Verse 3

وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ ٱلْهَوَىٰٓ

and neither does he speak out of his own desire:

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Verse 4

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْىٌۭ يُوحَىٰ

that [which he conveys to you] is but [a divine] inspiration with which he is being inspired –

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Verse 5

عَلَّمَهُۥ شَدِيدُ ٱلْقُوَىٰ

something that a very mighty one has imparted to him:

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Verse 6

ذُو مِرَّةٍۢ فَٱسْتَوَىٰ

[an angel] endowed with sur­passing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature,

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Verse 7

وَهُوَ بِٱلْأُفُقِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ

appearing in the horizon’s loftiest part,

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Verse 8

ثُمَّ دَنَا فَتَدَلَّىٰ

and then drew near, and came close,

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Verse 9

فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَيْنِ أَوْ أَدْنَىٰ

until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer.

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Verse 10

فَأَوْحَىٰٓ إِلَىٰ عَبْدِهِۦ مَآ أَوْحَىٰ

And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal.

...and 52 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.

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Key Themes

The surah of An-Najm (The Star) covers important Islamic themes including faith, guidance, and the relationship between humanity and Allah. As a Meccan (Makki) surah, it reflects the spiritual and theological context of that period of revelation.

Virtues of Reading This Surah

Regular recitation of the Quran is highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it." — Sahih Al-Bukhari

Reading any portion of the Quran brings immense rewards. Make a habit of reciting Surah An-Najm as part of your daily Quran reading.

How to Recite

1. Make wudu (ritual purification) before touching the Mushaf
2. Begin with "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
3. Begin with Bismillah (except in Surah At-Tawbah)
4. Recite with tarteel (measured, deliberate pace)
5. Reflect on the meaning as you recite

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Surah An-Najm revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.

Q: How many verses does Surah An-Najm have? It contains 62 ayaat (verses).

Q: What does "The Star" mean? The name "An-Najm" translates to "The Star" in English.