The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 While he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then the Spectacle became closer, and came down in full view. 8 Until a space of two bow (arcs) or even less remained, 9 so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper (Gabriel) that which he revealed (to Prophet Muhammad). 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 What! do you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him another time 13 Nigh unto the lote-tree at the boundary. 14 near which is the Garden of Abode. 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 Indeed he saw the supreme signs of his Lord. 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 And Manat, the third, the last? 20 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female? 21 This is certainly an unjust apportioning. 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 Can the human being have whatever he wishes? 24 Nay! for Allah is the hereafter and the former (life). 25