Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This uncompromising Makkan surah is dedicated to validating the Prophet Muḥammad’s (ﷺ) mission and the divine origin of the Quran against the polytheists. It establishes that the Prophet (ﷺ) speaks only through revelation, refutes shirk by denying the reality of idols and the claim that angels are Allah's daughters, and affirms the absolute certainty of the Resurrection and Recompense.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by unanimous agreement. The style, language, and subject matter firmly place it in the early period of confrontation.

Context: It was revealed in response to the polytheists claiming that the Prophet (ﷺ) fabricated the Quran. Its recitation culminated in the first public sajdah (prostration) performed by the Prophet (ﷺ), where even the polytheists nearby were overcome and prostrated with him.

Chronology: It is counted as the 23rd surah in the order of revelation.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known by "Sūrat al-Najm" and "Wa-al-Najm" (The Star) based on its opening words.

Ayah Count: 61 ayahs (Majority) or 62 (Kūfan).

Surah Overview:

• Affirming the Prophet's (ﷺ) truthfulness and divine guidance, emphasizing that his words are not based on personal desire but pure revelation. [2-4]
• Proving the divine source of the Quran through the powerful description of the Angel Gabriel’s descent and strength. [5-18]
• Refuting Shirk: Denying the divinity and power of the idols (al-Lāt, al-ʿUzzā, Manāt) and invalidating the polytheists’ custom of naming angels as daughters of Allah. [19-27]
• Warning those who speak of the Unseen based on mere conjecture rather than divine proof. [28]
• Proving the Resurrection and the impending punishment for those who denied the former messengers. [43-56]
• Consoling the Prophet (ﷺ) and establishing that his message encompasses the core truths found in the scriptures of previous prophets (Moses and Abraham). [36-54]
• Concluding with a command to prostrate to Allah and worship Him. [62]