Surah 53: The Star - Overview

Introduction

This is an early Makkan Surah, and is the fourth of the series of seven which were described in the Introduction to S.50.

The particular theme of this Surah is that Revelation is not an illusion; the illusion is in the minds of those who doubt and have false ideas of God; God is the source and goal of all things.

In some Surahs the consecutive arrangements is shown or suggested by a cue-word. Here the cue-word is "star", corresponding to "stars" in the last verse of the last Surah. So in 46:1 the words: "Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom" are carried forward from the last verse of S.45, and indeed the same words occur in the first verse of S.45. So, again the words: "Most Merciful, Oft-Forgiving"; in 34:2, refer back to the words: "Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful"; in the last line of S.33. In S. 54:1, the nearness of Judgment recalls the same idea at the end of the previous Surah (53:57). Other examples will also be found.

Summary

1- The impression received by the Prophet in revelation is neither error on his part nor deception by others, nor does he speak from selfish motives; it comes clearly from God, Who is not what the vain imaginations of men conceive: He is All-in-All, First and Last, Lord of all, Ample in forgiveness. (53:1-32)

The Inner Reality of Heaven [53:1-32] True revelation is not a process either of error or deception, nor does the Prophet speak from himself as he desires. It is God's inspiration, true, without doubt. It is reality--the inner reality of heaven as far as knowledge can reach, not the false ideas and idols that men construct for themselves, names without truth behind them. The goal of all things is God, as He is the One from Whom starts Reality. No other can ever intercede except as He wills. He made us, and knows all that we are. It is not for us to justify ourselves, but to offer ourselves as we are.

2- Those who turn away are petty and ignorant, not knowing that God is the source and goal of all things--in men, in nature, and in the events of history; therefore serve ye Him. (53:33-62)

In His Hands [53:33-62] When once in God's Way turn not away, nor check your generous impulse to give your all to God. The spiritual world unseen is above all worldly bargains. Each soul must bear its own responsibility. It must strive its utmost and attain its end. The final goal of all is God: in His hands are Laughter and Tears, Life and Death, the mystery of Birth and Creation, and the Hereafter. He controls our Bliss and inner satisfaction. He is Lord of the highest and noblest in Nature. His hand traces the course of History. Learn, oh learn from His revelation and adore the Lord of your inmost Soul!