The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
By the star when it goes down, (or vanishes). 1 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 He does not speak out of his own desires. 3 It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, 4 Which one of mighty powers hath taught him, 5 one endowed with immense wisdom. He came forth and stood poised, 6 While he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 then drew near and suspended hung, 8 And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. 9 and revealed to God's servant what he revealed. 10 The heart did not lie [about] what it saw. 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he seeth? 12 Indeed he saw him a second time, 13 By the lote-tree of the utmost boundary, 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 and he certainly saw some of the greatest Signs of His Lord. 18 Have ye thought upon Al-Lat and Al-'Uzza 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 Shall you have the male issues, and He the female issues? 21 that, lo and behold, is an unfair division! 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 Shall man have whatsoever he wisheth for! 24 despite the fact that [both] the life to come and this present [one] belong to God [alone]? 25