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 And he speaketh not of his own desire. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 Then he approached and came closer, 8 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; 9 Then he revealed to Allah's servant whatever he had to reveal. 10 The heart lied not (in seeing) what it saw. 11 What! do you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 And he certainly saw him in another descent 13 At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary - 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 When the lote-tree was being enveloped, by whatever around it. 16 His sight did not waver nor was it unduly bold. 17 Indeed, he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you then considered the Lat and the Uzza, 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 What! For you the son, and for Him the daughter? 21 This is certainly an unjust apportioning. 22 These are nothing but names that you and your forefathers have invented, for which Allah has sent down no authority. They are merely following their conjectures and their carnal desires although guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Or shall man have what he coveteth? 24 Nay! for Allah is the hereafter and the former (life). 25