The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 Your companion does not err, nor does he go astray; 2 Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. 3 It is a revelations which has been revealed to him 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 One of soundness. And he rose to [his] true form 6 While he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, 7 and then drew near, and came close, 8 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; 9 So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 will you, then, contend with him as to what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 Nigh unto the lote-tree at the boundary. 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 When the tree was covered with a covering, 16 His sight did not waver nor was it unduly bold. 17 Certainly he saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 So did you observe the idols Lat and Uzza? 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 What, have you males, and He 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 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 Rather, to Allah belongs the Hereafter and the first [life]. 25