The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 your companion has neither strayed nor is he misguided, 2 nor does he speak out of desire. 3 This is nothing but a revelation that is conveyed to him, 4 Which one of mighty powers hath taught him, 5 very strong; he stood poised, 6 While he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 Thereafter he drew nigh, then he let himself down. 8 So the distance between the Spectacle and the beloved was only two arms’ length, or even less. (The Heavenly Journey of Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – was with body and soul.) 9 And he revealed to His Servant what he revealed. 10 His heart lies not of what he saw; 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him another time 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Near it is the Garden of Abode. 15 When the Lote-tree was covered over with what it was covered over; 16 The sight turned not aside, nor it exceeded. 17 truly did he see some of the most profound of his Sustainer's symbols. 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 Why - for yourselves [you would choose only] male offspring, whereas to Him [you assign] female: 21 This is certainly an unjust apportioning. 22 These are only names which you and your fathers have invented. No authority was sent down by God for them. They only follow conjecture and wish-fulfilment, even though guidance had come to them already from their Lord. 23 Shall man have whatever he craves? 24 But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong. 25