The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
By the star when it sets: 1 your companion is not in error nor has he gone astray. 2 Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 taught by One who is Stern in power. 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 Then he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] approached and came closer, 8 And was at a distance of two bows' length or (even) nearer, 9 When He revealed to His votary what He revealed. 10 The heart did not deny, what it saw. (The Holy Prophet was bestowed with seeing Allah – see also preceding verses 8, 9, 10.) 11 Are you, then, going to contend with him regarding what he sees with his eyes? 12 And indeed he (Muhammad SAW) saw him [Jibrael (Gabriel)] at a second descent (i.e. another time). 13 by the lote-tree of the farthest limit, 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 when the lote tree was covered in mystic splendour. 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord. 18 So did you observe the idols Lat and Uzza? 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 That is indeed an unfair division! 22 These are only names which you and your fathers have invented. No authority was sent down by God for them. They only follow conjecture and wish-fulfilment, even though guidance had come to them already from their Lord. 23 Or is there for man whatever he wishes? 24 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25