The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 your comrade is not astray, neither errs, 2 nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is but a revelation revealed. 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 and endowed with wisdom; who in time manifested himself; 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 then he drew near, and became close 8 until he was two bows' length away, or nearer. 9 Thus He revealed unto His bondman whatsoever He revealed. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw? 12 And verily he saw him yet another time 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Nigh unto which is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that covered the lote-tree which covered it. 16 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong! 17 He saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you then considered the Lat and the Uzza, 19 And Manat the other third? 20 Are yours the males and His the females? 21 Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair! 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 What! Will man get whatever he dreams of? 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25