The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 and neither does he speak out of his own desire: 3 that [which he conveys to you] is but [a divine] inspiration with which he is being inspired 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 Lord of power and wisdom. So he acquired poise and balance, 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 Then he approached and came closer, 8 So the distance between the Spectacle and the beloved was only two arms’ length, or even less. (The Heavenly Journey of Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – was with body and soul.) 9 When He revealed to His votary what He revealed. 10 His heart did not falsify what he perceived. 11 Will you dispute with him what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him in another descent, 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 Close to which is the Garden of Tranquility, 15 When that which covers covered the lote-tree; 16 Neither did sight falter nor exceed the bounds. 17 and he certainly saw some of the greatest Signs of His Lord. 18 Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza, 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 What! for you the males and for Him the females! 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 Shall man have whatsoever he wisheth for! 24 And to God belongs the First and the Last. 25