The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the 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 does he speak out of his desire. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect, 5 The Lord of Strength; so he attained completion, 6 being on the higher horizon. 7 and then drew near, and came close, 8 he was but two bows' length or even nearer, 9 then revealed to his servant that he revealed. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 And indeed he did see the Spectacle again. 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 Neither did sight falter nor exceed the bounds. 17 Indeed, he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza, 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 "What! For you the males and for Him the females?" 21 That, then, 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 Can ever man get what he desires? 24 But unto Allah belongeth the after (life), and the former. 25