The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion does not err, nor does he go astray; 2 Nor doth he speak of (his own) desire. 3 It [the Quran] is nothing but revelation sent down to him. 4 Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect, 5 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 6 being on the higher horizon, 7 then he drew near, and became close 8 until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer. 9 then revealed to his servant that he revealed. 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 then argue with him about what he saw? 12 And indeed he did see the Spectacle again. 13 At the farthest lote-tree; 14 Nigh unto which is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that which covers covered the lote-tree; 16 (Muhammad's) eyes did not deceive him, nor did they lead him to falsehood. 17 Indeed he saw the supreme signs of his Lord. 18 HAVE YOU, then, ever considered [what you are worshipping in] Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, 19 and, another, the third manat? 20 Do sons belong to you and daughters to God? 21 That indeed is a division 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 Shall man have whatsoever he wisheth for! 24 despite the fact that [both] the life to come and this present [one] belong to God [alone]? 25