The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 your companion is not in error nor has he gone astray. 2 And he does not say anything by his own desire. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 and taught to him 5 The Strong; then the Spectacle inclined towards him. 6 And reached the highest pinnacle. 7 Thereafter he drew nigh, then he let himself down. 8 Till he was (distant) two bows' length or even nearer, 9 And He revealed to His servant what He revealed. 10 His heart lies not of what he saw; 11 Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 He certainly saw him (Gabriel) during his other ascent 13 By the lote-tree of the utmost boundary, 14 Close to which is the Everlasting 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 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest! 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 and about the third deity, al-Manat? 20 What, have you males, and He females! 21 This is an unfair distinction! 22 These [allegedly divine beings] are nothing but empty names which you have invented - you and your forefathers - [and] for which God has bestowed no warrant from on high. They [who worship them] follow nothing but surmise and their own wishful thinking - although right guidance has now indeed come unto them from their Sustainer. 23 Does man imagine that whatever he wishes for is right for him? 24 Allah's is the last and the first. 25