The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
By oath of the beloved shining star Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him), when he returned from the Ascent. 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 And he does not say anything by his own desire. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 He was taught by [an angel] who is mighty in power, 5 Lord of power and wisdom. So he acquired poise and balance, 6 while he was in the highest horizon; 7 then he drew near, and became close 8 until he was two bow-lengths away or even closer 9 So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 Will you dispute with him what he saw? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 by the Lote-Tree of the Boundary 14 by the Garden of [Eternal] Repose, 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 The sight did not shift, nor did it cross the limits. 17 Indeed, he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-'Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs). 19 And another, the third (goddess), Manat? 20 What, have you males, and He females? 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 22 They are naught but names yourselves have named, and your fathers; God has sent down no authority touching them. They follow only surmise, and what the souls desire; and yet guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 Nay! for Allah is the hereafter and the former (life). 25