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 That your companion is not confused, nor has he gone astray, 2 nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 very strong; he stood poised, 6 While he was in the highest part of the horizon: 7 Then he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] approached and came closer, 8 Until a space of two bow (arcs) or even less remained, 9 So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. 10 His heart lies not of what he saw; 11 Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 And verily he saw him yet another time 13 by the lote-tree of the farthest limit, 14 Nigh thereto is the Garden of Abode. 15 when there covered the Lote-Tree that which covered; 16 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong! 17 for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 Why - for yourselves [you would choose only] male offspring, whereas to Him [you assign] female: 21 That, then, is an unjust 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 whatever he craves? 24 Nay! for Allah is the hereafter and the former (life). 25