The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
By the declining star, 1 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2 He does not speak out of his own desires. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 The Lord of Mighty Power has taught him, 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 being on the higher horizon. 7 Then he approached and came closer, 8 And was at a distance of two bows' length 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, will you dispute with him about what he sees! 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 At the farthest lote-tree; 14 Close to which is the Garden of Tranquility, 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 Neither did sight falter nor exceed the bounds. 17 Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord. 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 Are there sons for you, and daughters for Him? 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 22 They are but names which ye have named, ye and your fathers, for which Allah hath sent down no authority. They follow but their fancy, and that which pleaseth their souls; whereas assuredly there hath come unto them from their Lord the guidance. 23 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 despite the fact that [both] the life to come and this present [one] belong to God [alone]? 25