ذُو مِرَّةٍ فَٱسْتَوَىٰ 6
Translations
One of soundness. And he rose to [his] true form
Transliteration
Dhū mirratin fastawā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Angel Gabriel (Jibrīl) in his true form, described as possessing tremendous power and strength ('dhū mirratin' meaning 'possessor of might/power'). The word 'fastawā' means 'he took his position' or 'he stood upright,' indicating that the angel appeared before the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his authentic celestial form. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that this describes Gabriel's majestic appearance when revealing the Qur'an, emphasizing the dignity and power of the divine messenger.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah An-Najm, which details the Prophet Muhammad's encounter with Angel Gabriel during the revelation of the Qur'an. The surah specifically describes the miraculous night when the Prophet witnessed Gabriel in his true angelic form near the Lote Tree of the Uttermost Boundary (Sidrat al-Muntahā), establishing the authority and reality of the Qur'anic revelation.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim (177): 'Abdullāh ibn Masʿūd reported: 'I saw Gabriel descend with the Qur'an to the Prophet in his true form, filling the space between heaven and earth.' This hadith directly corroborates the ayah's description of Gabriel's magnificent appearance.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that divine revelation comes through powerful, trustworthy celestial beings, affirming the authenticity and importance of following the Qur'an as God's word. It encourages recognition of the unseen spiritual realm and the majesty of God's creation.