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 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 It is but a revelation revealed. 4 and taught to him 5 Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form); 6 appearing in the horizon's loftiest part, 7 Then he approached and came closer, 8 And was at a distance of two bows' length or (even) nearer, 9 He revealed to God's servant whatever he wanted. 10 His heart added no untruth to what he saw. 11 What! do you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Near it is the Garden of Refuge - 15 When the lote-tree was being enveloped, by whatever around it. 16 The sight did not shift, nor did it cross the limits. 17 Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord. 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 Shall you have the male issues, and He the female issues? 21 That is indeed an unjust division. 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 Is the human to have whatever he fancies? 24 But to Allah belongs the last (Hereafter) and the first (the world). 25