The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion did not err, nor did he go astray. 2 Nor doth he speak of (his own) desire. 3 This is nothing but a revelation that is conveyed to him, 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 one endowed with immense wisdom. He came forth and stood poised, 6 being on the higher horizon. 7 Thereafter he drew nigh, then he let himself down. 8 until he was two bow-lengths away or even closer 9 And he revealed to His Servant what he revealed. 10 The heart did not lie [about] what it saw. 11 What! So do you dispute with him regarding what he saw? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 nigh which is the Garden of the Refuge, 15 When that covered the lote-tree which covered it. 16 his eye swerved not; nor swept astray. 17 He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 And Manat, the third - the other one? 20 Is it for you the males and for Him the females? 21 This is certainly an unjust apportioning. 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 Is the human to have whatever he fancies? 24 But unto Allah belongeth the after (life), and the former. 25