The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
By the declining star, 1 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2 He does not speak out of his own desires. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 something that a very powerful one has imparted to him, 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 Thereafter he drew nigh, then he let himself down. 8 And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. 9 Then he revealed to Allah's servant whatever he had to reveal. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 Are you, then, going to contend with him regarding what he sees with his eyes? 12 Indeed he saw him a second time, 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 his eyes did not swerve, nor did they stray 17 for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 HAVE YOU, then, ever considered [what you are worshipping in] Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, 19 And Manat, the third, the last? 20 Are yours the males and His the females? 21 That indeed is a division unfair! 22 They are but names which ye have named, ye and your fathers, for which Allah hath sent down no authority. They follow but their fancy, and that which pleaseth their souls; whereas assuredly there hath come unto them from their Lord the guidance. 23 Or is there for man whatever he wishes? 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25