The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion (Muhammad SAW) has neither gone astray nor has erred. 2 nor does he speak out of his own desire. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect, 5 The Strong; then the Spectacle inclined towards him. 6 being on the higher horizon. 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 8 two bows' length away, or nearer, 9 So Allah divinely revealed to His bondman, whatever He divinely revealed. 10 The heart lied not in that which he saw. 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 And indeed he did see the Spectacle again. 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 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 The eye turned not aside nor yet was overbold. 17 and he certainly saw some of the greatest Signs of His Lord. 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 What, have you males, and He females! 21 Then that is surely a very unjust distribution! 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 Does man imagine that it is his due to have all that he might wish for, 24 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25