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 is neither astray, neither errs, 2 nor does he speak out of his own desire. 3 It is but a revelation revealed. 4 He was taught by one Mighty in Power, 5 The Strong; then the Spectacle inclined towards him. 6 And reached the highest pinnacle. 7 Then he drew near and hung above suspended, 8 he was but two bows' length or even nearer, 9 And He revealed unto His slave that which He revealed. 10 His heart did not falsify what he perceived. 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw? 12 And assuredly he saw him at another descent. 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 Near which is the garden, the place to be resorted to. 15 (This was) when the lote-tree was covered with that which covered it. 16 Neither did sight falter nor exceed the bounds. 17 and he certainly saw some of the greatest Signs of His Lord. 18 (Among the idols) have you considered allat and al'uzza, 19 And Manat, the third - the other one? 20 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female? 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 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25