The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
By the star when it setteth. 1 Your companion hath not gone astray, nor hath he erred. 2 nor does he speak out of his desire. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 He has been taught by the Extremely Powerful. 5 Lord of power and wisdom. So he acquired poise and balance, 6 While he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, 7 Then he drew near and hung above suspended, 8 And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. 9 Thus He revealed unto His bondman whatsoever He revealed. 10 The heart lied not in that which he saw. 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 He certainly saw him (Gabriel) during his other ascent 13 to the Lot-tree (in the seven heavens) 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 When that which shroudeth did enshroud the lote-tree, 16 The eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the limit. 17 He certainly saw the greatest (signs) of the existence of his Lord. 18 Have ye thought upon Al-Lat and Al-'Uzza 19 and the third one, Manat? -- 20 Are there sons for you, and daughters for Him? 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 22 These [allegedly divine beings] are nothing but empty names which you have invented - you and your forefathers - [and] for which God has bestowed no warrant from on high. They [who worship them] follow nothing but surmise and their own wishful thinking - although right guidance has now indeed come unto them from their Sustainer. 23 Can ever man get what he desires? 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25