The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 your companion has neither strayed nor is he deluded; 2 Nor doth he speak of (his own) desire. 3 This is only revelation communicated, 4 and taught to him 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 appearing in the horizon's loftiest part, 7 Then he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] approached and came closer, 8 Till he was two bows length off or yet nearer. 9 Then he revealed to Allah's servant whatever he had to reveal. 10 His heart lies not of what he saw; 11 Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 And verily he saw him yet another time 13 by the Lote-Tree of the Boundary 14 Near it is the Garden of Abode. 15 When the Lote-tree was covered over with what it was covered over; 16 His eye did not waver, nor did it stray, 17 Certainly he saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 And Manat the other third? 20 Is it for you the males and for Him the females? 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 22 They are naught but names yourselves have named, and your fathers; God has sent down no authority touching them. They follow only surmise, and what the souls desire; and yet guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Shall man have whatever he craves? 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25