The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 your companion has neither strayed nor is he deluded; 2 And he does not say anything by his own desire. 3 It [the Quran] is nothing but revelation sent down to him. 4 something that a very mighty one has imparted to him: 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 while he was in the highest horizon; 7 and then drew near, and came close, 8 two bows' length away, or nearer, 9 so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper (Gabriel) that which he revealed (to Prophet Muhammad). 10 The heart did not deny, what it saw. (The Holy Prophet was bestowed with seeing Allah – see also preceding verses 8, 9, 10.) 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw? 12 And assuredly he saw him at another descent. 13 By the lote-tree of the utmost boundary, 14 nigh which is the Garden of the Refuge, 15 when there covered the Lote-Tree that which covered; 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 So have you considered al-Lat and al-'Uzza? 19 And Manat the other third? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 22 these are nothing but names which you yourselves have devised, you and your forefathers. God has sent down no authority for them. They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own selves desire, even though guidance has already come to them from their Lord! 23 Shall man have whatsoever he wisheth for! 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25