The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
By the setting star, 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 He does not speak out of his own desires. 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 He has been taught by the Extremely Powerful. 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 While he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, 7 and then drew near, and came close, 8 until he was two bow-lengths away or even closer 9 When He revealed to His votary what He revealed. 10 The heart did not lie [about] what it saw. 11 Will ye therefore dispute with him concerning that which he hath seen? 12 And indeed, he saw him a second time 13 by the lote tree beyond which none may pass 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 Assuredly he beheld of the sign of his Lord, the greatest. 18 Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-'Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs). 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 What, have you males, and He females! 21 That indeed were an unfair division! 22 They are but names, named by you and your fathers. Allah has not sent down any authority for them. They follow conjecture and their soul's desire, eventhough the guidance of their Lord has come to them. 23 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 despite the fact that [both] the life to come and this present [one] belong to God [alone]? 25