Surah An-Najm — Verse 13

Word Meanings:

• رَآهُ (ra'āhu): He saw him — referring to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) seeing the angel Jibril (Gabriel).
• نَزْلَةً (nazlatan): A descent, or one time/instance — meaning "once again" or "another time."
• أُخْرَى (ukhrā): Another — indicating a second occasion.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse confirms that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw Jibril (Gabriel) in his true, original form on a second occasion. The first sighting occurred at the beginning of his prophethood, when Jibril appeared to him with his real appearance, filling the horizon. The second sighting took place during the Night Journey (Al-Isra wal-Mi'raj), when the Prophet was elevated through the heavens and reached Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary) in the seventh heaven. There, he saw Jibril in his magnificent, God-created form once more — a form of immense size and beauty that no human description can fully capture.

This repetition of seeing Jibril in his true form was a great honor and reassurance for the Prophet (peace be upon him), affirming the truth of what he conveyed from his Lord. It also serves as a powerful testimony to the reality of the unseen world and the greatness of Allah's creation. The fact that the Prophet was granted this sight twice highlights his elevated rank and the special favor bestowed upon him by Allah.

Da'wah Reflection:

Dear believer, ponder the greatness of this moment! The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was chosen to witness the angelic realm with his own eyes — not once, but twice. This is a clear proof of the truthfulness of his message and the reality of the unseen. If you long to experience the sweetness of faith and the closeness to Allah that the Prophet enjoyed, then hold firmly to his Sunnah, purify your heart, and strive in obedience to your Lord. The more you draw near to Allah, the more He unveils to you the wonders of His creation — both in this world and in the Hereafter. Let this verse strengthen your conviction that the Qur'an is no human invention, but a divine revelation brought down by a noble angel to a noble Messenger. So embrace this truth with certainty, and let it transform your life into one of devotion, gratitude, and unwavering trust in Allah's promises.