The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 your comrade is not astray, neither errs, 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 that [which he conveys to you] is but [a divine] inspiration with which he is being inspired 4 He was taught by [an angel] who is mighty in power, 5 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 6 being on the higher horizon. 7 then he drew near, and became close 8 Till he was (distant) two bows' length or even nearer, 9 Thus He revealed unto His bondman whatsoever He revealed. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw? 12 Indeed he saw him a second time, 13 At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary - 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 When that which covers covered the lote-tree; 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest! 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 What! for you the males and for Him the females! 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 22 They are but names, named by you and your fathers. Allah has not sent down any authority for them. They follow conjecture and their soul's desire, eventhough the guidance of their Lord has come to them. 23 Can the human being have whatever he wishes? 24 And to God belongs the First and the Last. 25