Quran-81:20 Surah At-takweer English Translation,Transliteration and Tafsir(Tafseer).

ذِي قُوَّةٍ عِندَ ذِي ٱلۡعَرۡشِ مَكِينٖ

Transliteration:( Zee quwwatin 'inda zil 'arshi makeen )

20. Who is powerfully [15] established in the presence of the Owner of Highest Authority [16]. (Kanzul Imaan Translation)

(20) [Who is] possessed of power and with the Owner of the Throne, secure [in position], (Saheen International Translation)

Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics

Surah At-Takweer Ayat 20 Tafsir (Commentry)



  • Tafseer-e-Naeemi (Ahmad Yaar Khan)
  • Ibn Kathir
  • Ala-Madudi
  • Shaheen International

The Power and Superiority of Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him)

"Who is powerfully established in the presence of the Owner of Highest Authority." (Surah At-Takweer: 20)


1. The Powers of Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him)

15. In the phrase "who is powerful," Allah Almighty describes all the powers possessed by Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him). These powers are both physical and spiritual, demonstrating his remarkable status in the divine order:

  • Physical Strength: Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him) possesses immense physical strength, capable of performing extraordinary tasks.
  • Unfailing Memory: His memory is impeccable. He never forgets even a single word of the Quran, ensuring the exact and precise transmission of divine revelation.
  • Verbal Power: Jibraeel has the ability to convey every word of the Quran with perfect articulation, safeguarding the purity and integrity of the message.
  • Recognition of Prophets: Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him) possesses the unique ability to recognize every Prophet. He only delivers messages to Prophets, demonstrating his role as a messenger for them alone.

This verse emphasizes the safety of the Quran, which was delivered with perfect preservation by Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him). Additionally, it implies that the Holy Prophet ﷺ, endowed with superior power, conveyed the message as he had heard it directly from Jibraeel. This divine recognition and communication were evident when the Holy Prophet ﷺ first encountered Jibraeel and did not ask for his identity—confirming the Prophet’s natural recognition of the angel, ensuring the authenticity of the Quranic revelation.


2. The Superiority of Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him) Among Angels

16. From this verse, we learn that Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him) holds the most superior and honorable position among all angels. His rank is unmatched, and he serves as the loyal servant of the Prophets, delivering Allah's messages to them. This status indicates:

  • Superiority of the Holy Prophet ﷺ: Hazrat Jibraeel's position as the most superior angel underscores the superiority of the Holy Prophet ﷺ among all creation. Similarly, the Noble Companions hold a distinguished place among believers, with Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) standing out as the most superior companion after the Prophets.
  • Acquired and Inherent Respect: Respect and love can either be acquired or inherent:
    • Acquired Respect: This is earned through actions, such as loyalty and servitude.
    • Inherent Respect: This is natural and unchangeable, as in the respect one holds for their children or beloved ones.

In this context, the Noble Prophets and special saints are beloved from birth, not merely due to their actions, but because of their intrinsic closeness to Allah. Hazrat Jibraeel (peace be upon him) is loved by Allah because of his role as the devoted servant of Allah’s beloved Prophets, thus gaining the highest regard in the heavenly realms.

Ibn-Kathir

The tafsir of Surah Takwir verse 20 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Takwir ayat 15 which provides the complete commentary from verse 15 through 29.


Ala-Maududi

(81:20) one mighty[15] and held in honour with the Lord of the Throne;


15. (Surah An-Najm, Ayat 45) deals with the same theme, thus “It is but a revelation which is sent down to him. One, mighty in power, has taught him.” As to what is implied by the mighty powers of the Angel Gabriel is ambiguous. In any case it at least shows that he is distinguished even among the angels because of his extraordinary powers. In Muslim (kitab-al-iman) Aishah has reported the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying to the effect: I have twice seen Gabriel in his real shape and form: his glorious being was encompassing the whole space between the earth and the heavens. According to the tradition reported from Abdullah bin Masud in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmad, the Prophet (peace be upon him) had seen Gabriel with his six hundred wings. From this one can have an idea of his mighty powers.

(20) [Who is] possessed of power and with the Owner of the Throne, secure [in position],

Surah At-Takweer All Ayat (Verses)

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