Surah An-Najm 53:13
سُورَةُ النَّجۡمِ · Meccan · Verse 13 of 62
وَلَقَدْ رَءَاهُ نَزْلَةً أُخْرَىٰ
Translation
A second time he saw him:
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This powerful verse opens with a strong affirmation: "وَلَقَدْ رَءَاهُ نَزْلَةً أُخْرَىٰ" (And he certainly saw him another time). The very first particle, "وَلَقَدْ" (wa-laqad), is a combination of the oath-lam (the letter 'lām' meaning "certainly" or "indeed") and the particle 'qad' (meaning "truly" or "already"). This double emphasis tells us that Allah is asserting something with absolute certainty, countering any doubt or denial, as scholars like al-Jadwal and Ibn Ashur point out. It's a divine declaration meant to settle the matter once and for all.
Who Saw Whom?
The verse states "رَءَاهُ" (he saw him). The plain meaning, clarified by scholars like al-Jalalayn, al-Zamakhshari, and Ibn Ashur, confirms that the "he" refers to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the "him" refers to the great Archangel Jibreel, in his true, majestic angelic form. This isn't a vague vision or a dream, but a direct and undeniable sighting, stressed by the Quran's powerful wording.
Another Time
The phrase "نَزْلَةً أُخْرَىٰ" is key, meaning "another time" or "a second instance of descent." The word "نزلة" (nazlah) is a verbal noun indicating a single occurrence of an action, like "a descent." Coupled with "أُخْرَىٰ" (ukhra), meaning "another," it signifies that this was the *second* occasion the Prophet saw Jibreel in his original, awe-inspiring form. This implies a previous sighting, which the Quran refers to earlier in the same Surah (verses 5-8), when Jibreel "دنا فتدلى" (approached and descended) to the Prophet. These were profoundly unique encounters, distinct from Jibreel's usual appearances to the Prophet in human form, as mentioned by al-Zamakhshari.
This precise wording helps us appreciate the extraordinary nature of the Prophet's experience during the Isra and Mi'raj (Night Journey and Ascension). It highlights the unique honor bestowed upon him, allowing him to witness such grand realities of the unseen world, cementing the truth of his message and his profound connection to the Divine.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Najm 53:13 is discussed in 6 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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