The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
By the Star when it setteth, 1 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 Nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 Which one of mighty powers hath taught him, 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 And he is in the highest part of the horizon. 7 Then he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] approached and came closer, 8 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; 9 When He revealed to His votary what He revealed. 10 The heart lied not in that which he saw. 11 What! So do you dispute with him regarding what he saw? 12 And assuredly he saw him at another descent. 13 by the Lote-Tree of the Boundary 14 Nigh thereto is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that which shroudeth did enshroud the lote-tree, 16 The sight turned not aside, nor it exceeded. 17 for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you considered Lat and 'Uzza, 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 What! unto you the males and unto Him the females? 21 That, then, is an unjust division. 22 They are but names, named by you and your fathers. Allah has not sent down any authority for them. They follow conjecture and their soul's desire, eventhough the guidance of their Lord has come to them. 23 Or shall man have what he wishes? 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25