The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 your comrade is not astray, neither errs, 2 and neither does he speak out of his own desire: 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form); 6 while he was in the highest horizon; 7 Then he approached and came closer, 8 two bows' length away, or nearer, 9 so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper (Gabriel) that which he revealed (to Prophet Muhammad). 10 His heart lies not of what he saw; 11 What, will you dispute with him about what he sees! 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 which is Paradise. 15 when the lote tree was covered in mystic splendour. 16 (Muhammad's) eyes did not deceive him, nor did they lead him to falsehood. 17 Assuredly he beheld of the sign of his Lord, the greatest. 18 So did you observe the idols Lat and Uzza? 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 That, then, is an unjust division. 22 these are nothing but names which you yourselves have devised, you and your forefathers. God has sent down no authority for them. They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own selves desire, even though guidance has already come to them from their Lord! 23 What! Will man get whatever he dreams of? 24 But to Allah belongs the last (Hereafter) and the first (the world). 25