The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. 3 This is naught but a revelation revealed, 4 One of mighty powers hath taught it him. 5 Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form); 6 When he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 He (Gabriel) then came nearer and nearer. 8 Until a space of two bow (arcs) or even less remained, 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 10 The heart lied not (in seeing) what it saw. 11 Will ye therefore dispute with him concerning that which he hath seen? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary - 14 Close to which is the Garden of Tranquility, 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest! 18 Have you considered Lat and 'Uzza, 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 "What! For you the males and for Him the females?" 21 This indeed 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 Is the human to have whatever he fancies? 24 Rather, to Allah belongs the Hereafter and the first [life]. 25