The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
By the star when it goes down, (or vanishes). 1 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 and neither does he speak out of his own desire: 3 It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, 4 One of mighty powers hath taught it him. 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 being on the higher horizon, 7 Then he drew near and drew closer 8 until he was two bow-lengths away or even closer 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 what, will you dispute with him what he sees? 12 Indeed he saw him a second time, 13 At the farthest lote-tree; 14 Nigh thereto is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that which shroudeth did enshroud the lote-tree, 16 The eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the limit. 17 truly did he see some of the most profound of his Sustainer's symbols. 18 Have ye then considered Al-Lat and AL-'uzza: 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 What, have you males, and He females! 21 Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair! 22 These [allegedly divine beings] are nothing but empty names which you have invented - you and your forefathers - [and] for which God has bestowed no warrant from on high. They [who worship them] follow nothing but surmise and their own wishful thinking - although right guidance has now indeed come unto them from their Sustainer. 23 Does man imagine that it is his due to have all that he might wish for, 24 Allah's is the last and the first. 25