The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
By the star when it setteth. 1 your comrade is not astray, neither errs, 2 Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. 3 It [the Quran] is nothing but revelation sent down to him. 4 Taught to him by one intense in strength - 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 While he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he drew near and hung above suspended, 8 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; 9 And He revealed unto His slave that which He revealed. 10 The heart [of the Prophet] did not misconstrue what he saw. 11 what, will you dispute with him what he sees? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 Close to which is the Everlasting Paradise. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 The sight did not shift, nor did it cross the limits. 17 He saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 So have you considered al-Lat and al-'Uzza? 19 And Manat the other third? 20 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female? 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 22 They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow but a guess and that which they themselves desire, whereas there has surely come to them the Guidance from their Lord! 23 Or shall man have what he coveteth? 24 But to Allah belongs the last (Hereafter) and the first (the world). 25