ثُمَّ دَنَا فَتَدَلَّىٰ 8
Translations
Then he approached and descended
Transliteration
Thumma dana fatalalla
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) vision during the Night of Ascension (Isra and Mi'raj), where Gabriel drew near and then descended closer to him. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to Gabriel approaching the Prophet in his most beautiful form, demonstrating the intimacy of divine communication and the honor bestowed upon the Prophet. The phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of the encounter and Gabriel's obedience in drawing near to convey divine revelation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Najm, which describes the Prophet's miraculous night journey and vision of Gabriel. The surah was revealed in Mecca during the middle Meccan period and serves as a powerful testimony to the supernatural experiences granted to the Prophet, strengthening believers' faith during a time of persecution.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (4856) - The hadith of Aisha describing the Prophet's encounter with Gabriel during the revelation of the Quran, demonstrating Gabriel's proximity and the intensity of revelation. Also relevant is Muslim (172) where the Prophet describes seeing Gabriel in his true form on two occasions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the extraordinary connection between the Divine and His messenger, demonstrating that spiritual closeness to the Almighty is a reality that transcends human limitations. It inspires awe in the majesty of revelation and encourages trust in the Prophet's truthfulness regarding the unseen realm.
Related Ayahs
وَأَنَّهُۥ خَلَقَ ٱلزَّوْجَيْنِ ٱلذَّكَرَ وَٱلْأُنثَىٰ
And that He creates the two mates - the male and female -
فَلِلَّهِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ وَٱلْأُولَىٰ
Rather, to Allāh belongs the Hereafter and the first [life].
عَلَّمَهُۥ شَدِيدُ ٱلْقُوَىٰ
Taught to him by one intense in strength [i.e., Gabriel] -
۞ وَكَم مِّن مَّلَكٍ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ لَا تُغْنِى شَفَـٰعَتُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن يَأْذَنَ ٱللَّهُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَرْضَىٰٓ
And how many angels there are in the heavens whose intercession will not avail at all except [only] after Allāh has permitted [it] to whom He wills and approves.