The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 your companion has neither strayed nor is he deluded; 2 He does not speak out of his own desires. 3 This is naught but a revelation revealed, 4 One of mighty powers hath taught it him. 5 Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 Then he drew near and hung above suspended, 8 two bows' length away, or nearer, 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 10 The heart was not untrue in (making him see) what he saw. 11 Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 And indeed he did see the Spectacle again. 13 by the lote tree beyond which none may pass 14 Near it is the Garden of Refuge - 15 When there comes to the Lote Tree, that which comes 16 The sight did not shift, nor did it cross the limits. 17 Indeed, he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 So have you considered al-Lat and al-'Uzza? 19 and the third one, Manat? -- 20 What, have you males, and He females! 21 That indeed is 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 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25