Surah An-Najm — Verse 20

Word Meanings:

• Manāt: The name of an idol worshipped by the tribes of Hudhayl and Khuzā‘ah.
• Ath-Thālithah (the third): A description of Manāt, as it was the third of the three main idols mentioned.
• Al-Ukhrā (the other/latter): A derogatory description, meaning "the inferior" or "the contemptible one," similar to how the Qur’an refers to the weak and lowly among a people.

Explanation of the Verse:

In this verse, Allah continues His gentle yet powerful rebuke of the polytheists who worshipped idols alongside Him. After mentioning the idols Al-Lāt and Al-‘Uzzā, He now mentions Manāt, the third and last of their chief idols. This was a stone idol venerated by the tribes of Hudhayl and Khuzā‘ah, and it was considered by them to be a daughter of Allah—far exalted is He above such falsehood.

Allah describes Manāt as "the third, the other"—a description that subtly diminishes its status. The word "other" here carries a tone of belittlement, as if to say: *This is just another one of your feeble inventions, nothing more.* The verse challenges the pagans to reflect: Do these idols—Al-Lāt, Al-‘Uzzā, and Manāt—possess any power to benefit you or harm you? Can they create, provide, or forgive? Of course not! They are mere stones, carved by human hands, unable to even defend themselves.

The deeper message here is a call to pure monotheism (Tawḥīd). Allah is inviting the pagans to use their intellect and realize that these idols are unworthy of worship. They are not partners with Allah in any way—neither in creation, nor in provision, nor in dominion. So why bow down to them? Why place your hopes in lifeless objects when the Creator of the heavens and the earth is the only One who deserves your devotion?

This verse also serves as a reminder for us today: we must purify our hearts from any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah), whether in worship, in love, or in reliance. Just as the pagans placed their trust in idols, some people today place their trust in wealth, status, or other human beings—forgetting that all power and provision lie solely with Allah. The Qur’an calls us back to sincerity, reminding us that true success lies in submitting to the One who is Ever-Living, All-Powerful, and Most Merciful.

A Da‘wah Reflection:

Dear reader, pause for a moment and reflect on the beauty of this Qur’anic discourse. Allah does not simply condemn the idols; He invites the pagans to reason, to question, and to see the futility of their worship. This is the essence of Islam—a religion that appeals to the intellect and the heart. The idols of the past may have been stones, but the "idols" of today are often our desires, our egos, and our worldly attachments. The Qur’an calls us to break free from all of these and to turn our hearts wholly to Allah, the only One who truly deserves our worship and trust.

Islam is not a religion of blind following; it is a religion of reflection and certainty. So ask yourself: What do I truly worship? What do I rely upon in times of difficulty? If the answer is anything other than Allah, then this verse is a gentle yet firm reminder to redirect your heart. Allah is Al-Khāliq (The Creator), Ar-Rāziq (The Provider), and Al-Walī (The Protector)—He is enough for you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. Embrace His oneness, and you will find peace that no idol, no wealth, and no human can ever provide.