Surah An-Najm — Verse 12

Word Meanings:

• Tumārūnahu (تُمَارُونَهُ): Derived from *mumāra* (مماراة), meaning to argue, dispute, or contend with someone, often with the implication of rejecting or doubting what they say.
• ʿAlā mā yarā (عَلَى مَا يَرَى): "Concerning what he sees" — referring to what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) witnessed with his own eyes during the miraculous journey of Isra and Miʿraj (the Night Journey and Ascension).

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse addresses the polytheists of Quraysh who, upon hearing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recount his miraculous Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension through the heavens, reacted with denial, mockery, and relentless argumentation. They refused to believe what he had seen with his own eyes, as if his truthful testimony — supported by his impeccable character and divine revelation — was not enough for them.

The verse challenges them: "Do you then dispute with him over what he clearly witnessed?" It is a rhetorical question that exposes the absurdity of their position. They had no evidence to refute him, no logical basis for their denial, and no reason to doubt a man known among them as *Al-Amin* (the Trustworthy) for his entire life. Yet, they chose to argue and quibble over something that was a direct manifestation of Allah’s power and a sign of His greatness.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) had indeed seen the angel Jibril (Gabriel) in his true form, with six hundred wings filling the horizon, and later at the Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary) in the seventh heaven — a place beyond which no creation has passed. There, he witnessed wonders beyond human comprehension: the Garden of Refuge prepared for the righteous, and the overwhelming divine glory that enshrouded the tree. His eyes did not wander, nor did they transgress the limit set by Allah; he saw the greatest signs of his Lord with unwavering focus and complete submission.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, this verse invites you to ponder a profound truth: the heart that is sincere and the soul that is pure are granted visions of divine reality that no amount of argument can grasp. The disbelievers of old disputed with the Prophet because their hearts were sealed with arrogance and attachment to the material world. But you — if you open your heart to the truth — can find in this story a source of immense strength and hope.

The Prophet’s journey reminds us that Allah’s power knows no bounds. He who transported His servant from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque in a single night, and then raised him through the heavens, is the same Lord who hears your prayers, sees your struggles, and is capable of transforming your life in ways you cannot imagine. Do not let doubt or worldly distractions rob you of the beauty of faith. Embrace the truth with a humble heart, and you will find peace that surpasses all understanding.

The Qur’an is not merely a book to be read; it is a light to be followed. And the Prophet (peace be upon him) is not merely a historical figure; he is a living example of steadfastness and trust in Allah. Let his unwavering certainty in the unseen inspire you to strengthen your own connection with your Creator. For when you believe in what he saw, you align yourself with the eternal truth that has guided humanity toward salvation for centuries.