The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
By oath of the beloved shining star Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him), when he returned from the Ascent. 1 Your companion hath not gone astray, nor hath he erred. 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 While he was in the highest part of the horizon: 7 and then drew near, and came close, 8 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; 9 and revealed to God's servant what he revealed. 10 His heart lies not of what he saw; 11 Will you dispute with him what he saw? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 Nigh unto the lote-tree at the boundary. 14 Close to which is the Garden of Tranquility, 15 when the lote tree was covered in mystic splendour. 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 Indeed, he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have ye thought upon Al-Lat and Al-'Uzza 19 And Manat, the third - the other one? 20 What, have you males, and He females! 21 Then that is surely a very unjust distribution! 22 They are naught but names which you have named, you and your fathers; Allah has not sent for them any authority. They follow naught but conjecture and the low desires which (their) souls incline to; and certainly the guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Does man imagine that it is his due to have all that he might wish for, 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25