The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. 3 This is naught but a revelation revealed, 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 The Lord of Strength; so he attained completion, 6 And reached the highest pinnacle. 7 Then he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] approached and came closer, 8 Until a space of two bow (arcs) or even less remained, 9 So Allah divinely revealed to His bondman, whatever He divinely revealed. 10 The heart [of the Prophet] did not misconstrue what he saw. 11 What! do you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 And he certainly saw him in another descent 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Close to which is the Everlasting Paradise. 15 When that covered the lote-tree which covered it. 16 His eye did not waver, nor did it stray, 17 Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord. 18 (Can anything as such be considered true) of al-Lat, al-Uzza, 19 and the third one, Manat? -- 20 What! For you the son, and for Him the daughter? 21 This is an unfair distinction! 22 these are nothing but names which you yourselves have devised, you and your forefathers. God has sent down no authority for them. They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own selves desire, even though guidance has already come to them from their Lord! 23 Or shall man have what he wishes? 24 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25