The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
By oath of the beloved shining star Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him), when he returned from the Ascent. 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 Neither does he speak of his own will. 3 It is but a revelation revealed. 4 Which one of mighty powers hath taught him, 5 The Strong; then the Spectacle inclined towards him. 6 And he is in the highest part of the horizon. 7 Then he drew near and hung above suspended, 8 And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. 9 And He revealed unto His slave that which He revealed. 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 And he certainly saw him in another descent 13 to the Lot-tree (in the seven heavens) 14 by the Garden of [Eternal] Repose, 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 his eyes did not swerve, nor did they stray 17 He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 Why - for yourselves [you would choose only] male offspring, whereas to Him [you assign] female: 21 Behold, such would be indeed a division most 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 Rather, to Allah belongs the Hereafter and the first [life]. 25