An-Najm 53:9
The Star · Meccan · Juz 27 · Page 526
Two Bows’ Length
فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوۡسَيۡنِ أَوۡ أَدۡنَىٰ ٩
Till he was (distant) two bows’ length or even nearer.
Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall
Meaning
And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer.
Insight
Elmalılı explains “qaws” as a bow and “qab” as the distance between its grip and tip: a very close distance.
Reflect
Reflect that Allah is nearer to you than your jugular vein.
This short note is based on Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s Turkish commentary and has not yet been reviewed by a scholar.
Elmalılı’s commentary
An English translation of Elmalılı’s full commentary is coming soon. Read the original Turkish ›