The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
By the star when it goes down, (or vanishes). 1 Your companion hath not gone astray, nor hath he erred. 2 Neither does he speak of his own will. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 appearing in the horizon's loftiest part, 7 then he drew near, and became close 8 So he was the measure of two bows or closer still. 9 and revealed to God's servant what he revealed. 10 His heart did not lie of what he saw. 11 Are you, then, going to contend with him regarding what he sees with his eyes? 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 to the Lot-tree (in the seven heavens) 14 Near it is the Garden of Refuge - 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 His sight did not waver nor was it unduly bold. 17 Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord. 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 What! For you the son, and for Him the daughter? 21 That is indeed an unfair division! 22 They are but names which ye have named, ye and your fathers, for which Allah hath sent down no authority. They follow but their fancy, and that which pleaseth their souls; whereas assuredly there hath come unto them from their Lord the guidance. 23 Shall man have whatsoever he wisheth for! 24 But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong. 25