The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2 Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. 3 This is only revelation communicated, 4 Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect, 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 While he was in the highest part of the horizon: 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 8 until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer. 9 so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper (Gabriel) that which he revealed (to Prophet Muhammad). 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 Will you dispute with him 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 being enveloped, by whatever around it. 16 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong! 17 for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-'Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs). 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 What! unto you the males and unto Him the females? 21 This is an unfair distinction! 22 They are not but [mere] names you have named them - you and your forefathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance. 23 Or is there for man whatever he wishes? 24 Allah's is the last and the first. 25