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 [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 One of mighty powers hath taught it him. 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 and then drew near, and came close, 8 Until a space of two bow (arcs) or even less remained, 9 then revealed to his servant that he revealed. 10 The heart lied not (in seeing) what it saw. 11 What! So do you dispute with him regarding what he saw? 12 And verily he saw him yet another time 13 by the lote-tree of the farthest limit, 14 nigh which is the Garden of the Refuge, 15 When the Lote-tree was covered over with what it was covered over; 16 his eyes did not swerve, nor did they stray 17 He certainly saw the greatest (signs) of the existence of his Lord. 18 Have you considered Lat and 'Uzza, 19 And Manat, the third - the other one? 20 Shall you have the male issues, and He the female issues? 21 That is indeed an unjust division. 22 These are only names which you and your fathers have invented. No authority was sent down by God for them. They only follow conjecture and wish-fulfilment, even though guidance had come to them already from their Lord. 23 Or is there for man whatever he wishes? 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25