The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
I swear by the star when it goes down. 1 Your companion did not err, nor did he go astray. 2 He does not speak out of his own desires. 3 It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to him. 4 Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect, 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 And reached the highest pinnacle. 7 Then he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] approached and came closer, 8 he was but two bows' length or even nearer, 9 And he revealed to His Servant what he revealed. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 will you, then, contend with him as to what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him in another descent 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 when the lote tree was covered in mystic splendour. 16 The sight did not shift, nor did it cross the limits. 17 He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have ye then considered Al-Lat and AL-'uzza: 19 And Manat, the third, the other? 20 What, have you males, and He females? 21 that, lo and behold, is an unfair division! 22 They are naught but names yourselves have named, and your fathers; God has sent down no authority touching them. They follow only surmise, and what the souls desire; and yet guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Or shall man have what he wishes? 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25