The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
I swear by the star when it goes down. 1 your companion is not in error nor has he gone astray. 2 Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 He was taught by one Mighty in Power, 5 Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm 6 And he is in the highest part of the horizon. 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 8 And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. 9 And he revealed to His Servant what he revealed. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 will you, then, contend with him as to 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 Close to which is the Everlasting Paradise. 15 When that which covers covered the lote-tree; 16 The sight turned not aside, nor it exceeded. 17 He saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 HAVE YOU, then, ever considered [what you are worshipping in] Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, 19 And Manat, the third, the other? 20 What! for you the males and for Him the females! 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 22 These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord! 23 Can ever man get what he desires? 24 But to Allah belongs the last (Hereafter) and the first (the world). 25