The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
By oath of the beloved shining star Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him), when he returned from the Ascent. 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 Nor doth he speak of (his own) desire. 3 Indeed it is not except a Revelation which is revealed, 4 One of mighty powers hath taught it him. 5 Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form); 6 appearing in the horizon's loftiest part, 7 then drew near and suspended hung, 8 Till he was (distant) two bows' length or even nearer, 9 and revealed to God's servant 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 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he seeth? 12 Indeed he saw him a second time, 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Nigh thereto is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that which shroudeth did enshroud the lote-tree, 16 The eye turned not aside nor yet was overbold. 17 Indeed he saw the supreme signs of his Lord. 18 HAVE YOU, then, ever considered [what you are worshipping in] Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 Are there sons for you, and daughters for Him? 21 That is indeed an unfair division! 22 They are not but [mere] names you have named them - you and your forefathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance. 23 Does man imagine that whatever he wishes for is right for him? 24 Nay! for Allah is the hereafter and the former (life). 25