The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2 nor does he speak out of his own desire. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 one endowed with immense wisdom. He came forth and stood poised, 6 When he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he approached and came closer, 8 And was at a distance of two bows' length or (even) nearer, 9 And He revealed to His servant what He revealed. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 Are you, then, going to contend with him regarding what he sees with his eyes? 12 He certainly saw him (Gabriel) during his other ascent 13 Near the lote-tree of the last boundary. 14 Near it is the Garden of Abode. 15 when the lote tree was covered in mystic splendour. 16 His eye did not waver, nor did it stray, 17 He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 So did you observe the idols Lat and Uzza? 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 Why - for yourselves [you would choose only] male offspring, whereas to Him [you assign] female: 21 That indeed is an unfair division -- 22 These are only names which you and your fathers have invented. No authority was sent down by God for them. They only follow conjecture and wish-fulfilment, even though guidance had come to them already from their Lord. 23 Shall man have whatsoever he wisheth for! 24 despite the fact that [both] the life to come and this present [one] belong to God [alone]? 25