The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 and neither does he speak out of his own desire: 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 He was taught by [an angel] who is mighty in power, 5 one endowed with immense wisdom. He came forth and stood poised, 6 appearing in the horizon's loftiest part, 7 Then he approached and descended 8 And was at a distance of two bows' length or (even) nearer, 9 So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. 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 Will you dispute with him what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him in another descent 13 at the Lote Tree (Sidrat tree) of the ending 14 Close to which is the Everlasting Paradise. 15 When that which covers covered the lote-tree; 16 His eye did not waver, nor did it stray, 17 truly did he see some of the most profound of his Sustainer's symbols. 18 Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-'Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs). 19 and about the third deity, al-Manat? 20 Are yours the males and His the females? 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 22 They are naught but names which you have named, you and your fathers; Allah has not sent for them any authority. They follow naught but conjecture and the low desires which (their) souls incline to; and certainly the guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 What! Will man get whatever he dreams of? 24 To Allah belongs the Eternal life and the first life. 25