The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 Nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, 4 He has been taught by the Extremely Powerful. 5 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 6 While he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, 7 then drew near and suspended hung, 8 And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 10 The (Prophet's) heart lied not (in seeing) what he (Muhammad SAW) saw. 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 And assuredly he saw him at another descent. 13 By the Lote-tree beyond which none can pass, 14 Nigh thereto is the Garden of Abode. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 his eye swerved not; nor swept astray. 17 Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord. 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 and, another, the third manat? 20 Are there sons for you, and daughters for Him? 21 That indeed were an unfair 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 Nay! for Allah is the hereafter and the former (life). 25