The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
By the declining star, 1 your companion has neither strayed nor is he misguided, 2 And he speaketh not of his own desire. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 And reached the highest pinnacle. 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 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 When He revealed to His votary what He revealed. 10 The heart did not deny, what it saw. (The Holy Prophet was bestowed with seeing Allah – see also preceding verses 8, 9, 10.) 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him in another descent 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Near which is the garden, the place to be resorted to. 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 The sight did not shift, nor did it cross the limits. 17 and he certainly saw some of the greatest Signs of His Lord. 18 Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-'Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs). 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 22 They are naught but names which you have named, you and your fathers; Allah has not sent for them any authority. They follow naught but conjecture and the low desires which (their) souls incline to; and certainly the guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Or shall man have whatever he fancies? 24 But unto Allah belongeth the after (life), and the former. 25