The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion did not err, nor did he go astray. 2 Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. 3 Indeed it is not except a Revelation which is revealed, 4 He has been taught by the Extremely Powerful. 5 Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm 6 And he is in the highest part of the horizon. 7 Then he drew near and drew closer 8 he was but two bows' length or even nearer, 9 and revealed to God's servant what he revealed. 10 His heart did not lie of what he saw. 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him in another descent, 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 Nigh thereto is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that which shroudeth did enshroud the lote-tree, 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord. 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 What, have you males, and He females? 21 This is an unfair distinction! 22 These [allegedly divine beings] are nothing but empty names which you have invented - you and your forefathers - [and] for which God has bestowed no warrant from on high. They [who worship them] follow nothing but surmise and their own wishful thinking - although right guidance has now indeed come unto them from their Sustainer. 23 Or shall man have what he coveteth? 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25