The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion did not err, nor did he go astray. 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 It [the Quran] is nothing but revelation sent down to him. 4 something that a very powerful one has imparted to him, 5 one endowed with immense wisdom. He came forth and stood poised, 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 then drew near and suspended hung, 8 And was at a distance of two bows' length or (even) nearer, 9 Thus He revealed unto His bondman whatsoever He revealed. 10 His heart did not lie of what he saw. 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he seeth? 12 And verily he saw him yet another time 13 By the Lote-tree beyond which none can pass, 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 (This was) when the lote-tree was covered with that which covered it. 16 His eye did not waver, nor did it stray, 17 Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord. 18 (Among the idols) have you considered allat and al'uzza, 19 And Manat the other third? 20 What, have you males, and He females? 21 that, lo and behold, is an unfair 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 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong. 25