Surah 53

By the star when it goes down (or vanishes).

Your companion (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has neither gone astray nor has erred.

Nor does he speak of (his own) desire.

It is only a Revelation revealed.

He has been taught (this Qur’ân) by one mighty in power [Jibrîl (Gabriel)]

One free from any defect in body and mind then he (Jibrîl - Gabriel in his real shape as created by Allah) rose and became stable.

While he [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

Then he [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] approached and came closer,

And was at a distance of two bows’ length or (even) nearer.

So (Allâh) revealed to His slave [Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم through Jibrîl (Gabriel) عليه السلام] whatever He revealed.

The (Prophet’s) heart lied not in what he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw.

Will you then dispute with him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) about what he saw [during the Mi‘râj: (Ascent of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to the seven heavens)][1]

And indeed he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw him [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] at a second descent (i.e. another time).

Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (a lote-tree of the utmost boundary over the seventh heaven beyond which none can pass).

Near it is the Paradise of Abode.

When that covered the lote-tree which did cover it![2]

The sight (of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) turned not aside (right or left), nor it transgressed beyond the limit (ordained for it).

Indeed he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) did see of the Greatest Signs, of his Lord (Allâh).

Have you then considered Al-Lât, and Al-‘Uzzâ (two idols of the pagan Arabs)[3]

And Manât (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third?