سُوْرَةُ النَّجْمِ

Surah An-Najm (53) — Ayah 17

The Star · Meccan · Juz 27 · Page 526

مَا زَاغَ ٱلْبَصَرُ وَمَا طَغَىٰ ﴿17﴾
The sight (of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) turned not aside (right or left), nor it transgressed beyond the limit (ordained for it).
مَا Not
زَاغَ zāgha swerved
ٱلْبَصَرُ l-baṣaru the sight
وَمَا wamā and not
طَغَىٰ ṭaghā it transgressed

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.

(Ayah 17) {مَا زَاغَ الْبَصَرُ وَ مَا طَغٰى: ’’زَاغَ يَزِيْغُ زَيْغًا‘‘} To be crooked and {’’طَغٰي يَطْغٰي طُغْيَانًا‘‘} to exceed the limit. In this is the description of the perfect etiquette, patience, and steadfastness of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): that while seeing Jibreel (peace be upon him) and the other great signs of Allah Almighty, his gaze remained fixed upon them, neither turning to the right nor to the left, nor exceeding beyond them.

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.

17. 1 That is, the Prophet’s gaze did not turn to the right or left, nor did it rise above or exceed the limit that had been set for him. (Aysar al-Tafasir)

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.

His sight did not swerve [10], nor did it transgress.

[10] Upon this lote tree, the lights and manifestations of Allah Almighty were shining, presenting an extremely beautiful scene, which dazzled the eyes. But despite so many lights and manifestations, when you ﷺ saw Jibreel, your ﷺ eyes were neither dazzled nor did your gaze turn away, meaning that your gaze did not wander here and there, unable to bear the sight. Rather, you ﷺ saw Jibreel properly, and whatever Allah Almighty intended to show, that is exactly what you ﷺ saw. Your ﷺ gaze remained fixed on that, it did not turn elsewhere.