The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2 nor does he speak out of his own desire. 3 that [which he conveys to you] is but [a divine] inspiration with which he is being inspired 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 6 appearing in the horizon's loftiest part, 7 He (Gabriel) then came nearer and nearer. 8 until he was as close to him as the distance of two bows, or even less. 9 Thus He revealed unto His bondman whatsoever He revealed. 10 His heart lies not of what he saw; 11 Will you then argue with him about what he saw? 12 And assuredly he saw him at another descent. 13 to the Lot-tree (in the seven heavens) 14 by the Garden of [Eternal] Repose, 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 indeed is a division unfair! 22 These are only names which you and your fathers have invented. No authority was sent down by God for them. They only follow conjecture and wish-fulfilment, even though guidance had come to them already from their Lord. 23 Does man imagine that it is his due to have all that he might wish for, 24 To Allah belong both the Next World and the present. 25