The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 your companion has neither strayed nor is he deluded; 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to him. 4 Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect, 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 8 until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer. 9 and revealed to God's servant what he revealed. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 What! So do you dispute with him regarding what he saw? 12 And he certainly saw him in another descent 13 at the Lote Tree (Sidrat tree) of the ending 14 close to the Garden of Refuge. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 His sight did not waver nor was it unduly bold. 17 Indeed, he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 (Can anything as such be considered true) of al-Lat, al-Uzza, 19 and Manat the third, the other? 20 What! for you the males and for Him the females! 21 This is certainly an unjust apportioning. 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 Or is there for man whatever he wishes? 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25