The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2 And he does not say anything by his own desire. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 being on the higher horizon. 7 Then he drew nigh and came down 8 Till he was (distant) two bows' length or even nearer, 9 And he revealed to His Servant what he revealed. 10 His heart added no untruth to what he saw. 11 What! So do you dispute with him regarding what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him in another descent, 13 By the lote-tree of the utmost boundary, 14 Close to which is the Everlasting Paradise. 15 (This was) when the lote-tree was covered with that which covered it. 16 The eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the limit. 17 Indeed, he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 HAVE YOU, then, ever considered [what you are worshipping in] Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 "What! For you the males and for Him the females?" 21 That indeed is an unfair division -- 22 They are naught but names yourselves have named, and your fathers; God has sent down no authority touching them. They follow only surmise, and what the souls desire; and yet guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Does man imagine that it is his due to have all that he might wish for, 24 And to God belongs the First and the Last. 25