The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 your companion is neither astray, neither errs, 2 Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. 3 It is not but a revelation revealed, 4 He was taught by [an angel] who is mighty in power, 5 Lord of power and wisdom. So he acquired poise and balance, 6 While he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he drew nigh and came down 8 until he was two bow-lengths away or even closer 9 So Allah divinely revealed to His bondman, whatever He divinely revealed. 10 The (Prophet's) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw. 11 what, will you dispute with him what he sees? 12 And verily he saw him yet another time 13 By the Lote-tree beyond which none can pass, 14 near which is Paradise. 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord. 18 (Among the idols) have you considered allat and al'uzza, 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 What, have you males, and He females? 21 That indeed is an unfair division -- 22 These are only names which you and your fathers have invented. No authority was sent down by God for them. They only follow conjecture and wish-fulfilment, even though guidance had come to them already from their Lord. 23 Shall man have whatever he craves? 24 But to Allah belongs the last (Hereafter) and the first (the world). 25