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 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 and neither does he speak out of his own desire: 3 This is naught but a revelation revealed, 4 Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect, 5 Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm 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 bows' length or (even) nearer, 9 So Allah divinely revealed to His bondman, whatever He divinely revealed. 10 The heart [of the Prophet] did not misconstrue what he saw. 11 What, will you dispute with him about what he sees! 12 And indeed, he saw him a second time 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it]. 16 his eye swerved not; nor swept astray. 17 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest! 18 So did you observe the idols Lat and Uzza? 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 What! unto you the males and unto Him the females? 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 22 They are not but [mere] names you have named them - you and your forefathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance. 23 Shall man have whatever he craves? 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25