Surah An-Najm (53) — Ayah 1
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
➋ The oaths in the Noble Qur'an are brought as testimony for the claim that follows, and there is a semantic connection between the oath and its response. Here, the oath mentioned in {’’ وَ النَّجْمِ اِذَا هَوٰى ‘‘} is brought as testimony for the claim in the following verse {’’ مَا ضَلَّ صَاحِبُكُمْ وَ مَا غَوٰى ‘‘}, and there is a semantic connection between the two. The commentators have explained this connection in several ways, of which the two clearest explanations are presented here. One is that by {’’ النَّجْمِ ‘‘} general stars are meant, that is, just as all stars move in their respective orbits, rise from their appointed places and set at their appointed places, similarly Muhammad (peace be upon him) also walks on the straight path shown by Allah Almighty, not deviating from it in the slightest, and does not even speak without divine revelation. Among the states of the stars, the mention of the time of setting in particular seems appropriate because this great creation is completely bound by the command of Allah Almighty. Despite all its vastness, brightness, and brilliance, it does not have the power to refuse to set and sink. (And Allah knows best.) For further details of this explanation, see the commentary of Surah Takweer, verses (15 to 19): « فَلَاۤ اُقْسِمُ بِالْخُنَّسِ … اِنَّهٗ لَقَوْلُ رَسُوْلٍ كَرِيْمٍ ».
The second explanation is that by stars, meteors are meant, and the meaning is that Allah Almighty has made such a powerful arrangement for the protection of the revelation sent to His Prophet (peace be upon him) that if any devil tries to go beneath the sky to listen to it, flaming meteors are hurled at him from all sides, burning him to ashes. See Surah Saffat (6 to 10) and Surah Jinn (8, 9). This powerful arrangement of protection is a witness that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is established on the straight path shown by Allah Almighty, and there is no possibility of any interference or alteration in the divine revelation sent down to him. The same point is mentioned in Surah Waqi'ah, verse (75): « فَلَاۤ اُقْسِمُ بِمَوٰقِعِ النُّجُوْمِ».
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
[1] Some scholars have taken ﴿ألْنَّجْمُ﴾ to mean the planet Venus, some have taken it to mean the Pleiades, and some have taken it to refer to the category of stars in general. That is, an oath is being sworn by the time when the stars disappear and the light of day spreads. Or, by those stars which always follow their appointed path and never deviate from it.
