The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
By the star when it setteth. 1 Your companion hath not gone astray, nor hath he erred. 2 Nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 He was taught by one Mighty in Power, 5 The Strong; then the Spectacle inclined towards him. 6 And reached the highest pinnacle. 7 Then he drew near and drew closer 8 until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer. 9 And He revealed unto His slave that which He revealed. 10 His heart did not falsify what he perceived. 11 Will you then argue with him about what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him in another descent, 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 When the Lote-tree was covered over with what it was covered over; 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 Certainly he saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 So did you observe the idols Lat and Uzza? 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 Are there sons for you, and daughters for Him? 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 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 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 Nay! for Allah is the hereafter and the former (life). 25