Quran: 53

Within Shia thought, this duality is embraced through the concept of free will. The notion of al-amr bi al-ma’ruf wa al-nahy ‘an al-munkar (commanding good and forbidding evil) emerges as a guiding principle. It encourages believers to actively engage in their moral development while recognizing the ultimate authority of the divine. Through this lens, Surah An-Najm serves not only as a narrative of divine revelation but as a call to action, urging adherents to cultivate a moral compass aligned with transcendental principles.

The Role of Accountability

Furthermore, the chapter poignantly conveys the theme of accountability. “And indeed, the hereafter is better for you than the first” (Quran 53:14) encapsulates the essence of Shia belief in the afterlife and the moral responsibilities of individuals during their earthly existence. This introspective reminder cultivates a profound awareness of the consequences of one’s actions—bridging the here and now with the eternal.