The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I swear by the star when it goes down. 1 Your companion hath not gone astray, nor hath he erred. 2 nor does he speak out of his own desire. 3 This is naught but a revelation revealed, 4 something that a very mighty one has imparted to him: 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 being on the higher horizon, 7 Then the Spectacle became closer, and came down in full view. 8 So the distance between the Spectacle and the beloved was only two arms’ length, or even less. (The Heavenly Journey of Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – was with body and soul.) 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 10 His heart lies not of what he saw; 11 What, will you dispute with him about what he sees! 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 at the Lote Tree (Sidrat tree) of the ending 14 by the Garden of [Eternal] Repose, 15 When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it]. 16 his eye swerved not; nor swept astray. 17 for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 What! unto you the males and unto Him the females? 21 That is indeed an unjust division. 22 They are not but [mere] names you have named them - you and your forefathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance. 23 Is the human to have whatever he fancies? 24 Nay! for Allah is the hereafter and the former (life). 25