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 Your comrade erreth not, nor is deceived; 2 Nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is a revelations which has been revealed to him 4 He has been taught by the Extremely Powerful. 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon. 7 then drew near and suspended hung, 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 did not falsify what he perceived. 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 by the Garden of [Eternal] Repose, 15 when there covered the Lote-Tree that which covered; 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 And Manat the other third? 20 Are there sons for you, and daughters for Him? 21 that, lo and behold, is an unfair division! 22 These are nothing but names that you and your forefathers have invented, for which Allah has sent down no authority. They are merely following their conjectures and their carnal desires although guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Or shall man have what he wishes? 24 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25