The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
By oath of the beloved shining star Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him), when he returned from the Ascent. 1 your companion is neither astray, neither errs, 2 Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. 3 This is only revelation communicated, 4 He was taught by [an angel] who is mighty in power, 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 And he is in the highest part of the horizon. 7 Then he approached and descended 8 Till he was (distant) two bows' length or even nearer, 9 So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. 10 The heart lied not in that which he saw. 11 Will you then argue with him about what he saw? 12 Indeed he saw him a second time, 13 By the Lote-tree beyond which none can pass, 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 his eye swerved not; nor swept astray. 17 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest! 18 Have ye thought upon Al-Lat and Al-'Uzza 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 That, then, is an unjust division. 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 Can the human being have whatever he wishes? 24 But it is to God that the Hereafter and this world belong. 25