Surah al-Najm

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

[Surah al-Najm (53): Verse 8]
“Then he drew near and descended.” (8)

It appears that the shaykh «1» understood the verse to mean that the one who drew near and descended, coming within two bow-lengths of Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him—or nearer, was Allah, Mighty and Majestic. Although a number of commentators have expressed this view, the correct interpretation is that it was Gabriel, peace be upon him. He is the one described from the beginning of the surah up to Allah’s words:

53:13, 14 “And he certainly saw him on another descent, at the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”

This is how the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—explained it in the authentic hadith. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—about this verse, and he replied: ‘That was Gabriel. I have only seen him twice in the form in which he was created.’”

The wording of the Quran admits no other interpretation, for several reasons.

First: Allah says, “He was taught by one mighty in power.” This is Gabriel, whom He described as possessing strength in Surah al-Takwīr, saying:

81:19, 20 “Indeed, it is the word of a noble messenger, endowed with power, held in high esteem by the Lord of the Throne.”