The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
By the star when it plunges, 1 Your companion hath not gone astray, nor hath he erred. 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 This is nothing but a revelation that is conveyed to him, 4 something that a very powerful one has imparted to him, 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 While he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, 7 Then he drew near and hung above suspended, 8 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 10 The heart lied not (in seeing) what it saw. 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 nigh which is the Garden of the Refuge, 15 When the tree was covered with a covering, 16 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong! 17 truly did he see some of the most profound of his Sustainer's symbols. 18 Have ye then considered Al-Lat and AL-'uzza: 19 And Manat, the third, the other? 20 What! for you the males and for Him the females! 21 Then that is surely a very unjust distribution! 22 These are only names given by yourselves and your fathers. God has not given them any authority. They, (unbelievers), only follow mere conjecture and the desires of their souls, even though guidance has already come to them from their Lord. 23 Is the human to have whatever he fancies? 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25