The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 and neither does he speak out of his own desire: 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 Which one of mighty powers hath taught him, 5 The Lord of Strength; so he attained completion, 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 then came down close 8 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 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 what, will you dispute with him what he sees? 12 He certainly saw him (Gabriel) during his other ascent 13 By the Lote-tree beyond which none can pass, 14 Close to which is the Garden of Tranquility, 15 When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it]. 16 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong! 17 Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord. 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 And another, the third (goddess), Manat? 20 Is it for you the males and for Him the females? 21 Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair! 22 These are only names given by yourselves and your fathers. God has not given them any authority. They, (unbelievers), only follow mere conjecture and the desires of their souls, even though guidance has already come to them from their Lord. 23 Shall man have whatsoever he wisheth for! 24 Rather, to Allah belongs the Hereafter and the first [life]. 25