The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 5) — Page 122
CH. 53 AN-NAJM 8. And He revealed His Word when he was on the uppermost horizon, a 3972 9. Then he drew nearer to God; then he came down to mankind, 3973 981:24. PT. 27 وَهُوَ بِالْأُفُقِ الْأَعْلَى ثُمَّ دَنَا فَتَدَلين means, his resolution or determination apply to the Holy Prophet, signifying became firm or strong. means, he became strong enough to bear the thing. * means, strength; strength of make; strength of intellect; sound judgement and firmness. They say i. e. he is a strong man or he is possessed of strong intellect and sound judgement and firmness (Lane & Aqrab). استوی هو (gained ascendance over everything) is derived from 5. They sayi. e. the affair of the man became right or straight. means, he became full-grown and mature in body and intellect or he attained the completion of his make and intellect. means, he was or became استوى على ظهر دابة firm or became firmly seated or settled himself on the back of his beast. also means, he gained or had the mastery complete ascendancy over the thing. means, the food became thoroughly cooked (Lane & Aqrab). See also 2:30 & 19:11. Commentary: or The expression besides the meaning given under Important Words above, signifies: One Whose power perpetually manifest them- selves. The word besides the meaning given in the text may also 3018 that the Prophet's physical and intellectual powers have attained their fullest vigour and maturity. For a collective note on this and the next two verses see v. 10. 3972. Commentary: The verse purports to say that the Holy Prophet had attained to the highest point in his spiritual ascension when God revealed Himself to him in full glory and majesty. Or "the Prophet's being on the uppermost horizon" may signify that the light of Islam was set on a very high place from where it could illumine the whole world. The word may also refer to God. See also verse 10. 3973. Important Words: (came down) is derived from. They say Juli. e. he sent down the bucket in the well; he pulled up or out the bucket from the well. saber do (dalla) means, he let down his legs from the couch. means, he made or brought or drew the thing near to another thing. means, it was let down, he or it lowered or came down; he was or became lowly, humble or submissive; he drew near or approached or increased nearness. (Lane, Aqrab & Lisān). in