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 hath not gone astray, nor hath he erred. 2 Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. 3 It [the Quran] is nothing but revelation sent down to him. 4 He has been taught by the Extremely Powerful. 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 While he was in the highest part of the horizon: 7 Thereafter he drew nigh, then he let himself down. 8 Till he was two bows length off or yet nearer. 9 He revealed to God's servant whatever he wanted. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him in another descent 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Nigh unto which is the Garden of Abode. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 The eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the limit. 17 Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord. 18 Have you then considered the Lat and the Uzza, 19 And another, the third (goddess), Manat? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 That is indeed an unjust division. 22 They are but names which ye have named, ye and your fathers, for which Allah hath sent down no authority. They follow but their fancy, and that which pleaseth their souls; whereas assuredly there hath come unto them from their Lord the guidance. 23 Or is there for man whatever he wishes? 24 To Allah belong both the Next World and the present. 25