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, neither errs, 2 And he speaketh not of his own desire. 3 This is naught but a revelation revealed, 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form); 6 While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon. 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 8 he was but two bows' length or even nearer, 9 so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper (Gabriel) that which he revealed (to Prophet Muhammad). 10 The heart lied not (in seeing) what it saw. 11 will you, then, contend with him as to what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 By the Lote-tree beyond which none can pass, 14 Close to which is the Everlasting Paradise. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 He saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 (Among the idols) have you considered allat and al'uzza, 19 And Manat, the third, the other? 20 Are there sons for you, and daughters for Him? 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 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 Or shall man have what he coveteth? 24 despite the fact that [both] the life to come and this present [one] belong to God [alone]? 25