The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 Nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is not but a revelation revealed, 4 Which one of mighty powers hath taught him, 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 then he drew near, and became close 8 And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. 9 And he revealed to His Servant what he revealed. 10 His heart added no untruth to what he saw. 11 What! So do you dispute with him regarding what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him in another descent 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Nigh unto which is the Garden of Abode. 15 When the Lote-tree was covered over with what it was covered over; 16 His eye did not waver, nor did it stray, 17 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest! 18 So did you observe the idols Lat and Uzza? 19 as well as [in] Manat, the third and last [of this triad]? 20 Are yours the males and His the females? 21 This indeed is an unjust 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 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 But unto Allah belongeth the after (life), and the former. 25