The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your comrade erreth not, nor is deceived; 2 Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. 3 It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to him. 4 He has been taught (this Quran) by one mighty in power [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 5 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 6 being on the higher horizon, 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 8 until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer. 9 He revealed to God's servant whatever he wanted. 10 The heart was not untrue in (making him see) what he saw. 11 Will ye therefore dispute with him concerning that which he hath seen? 12 And he certainly saw him in another descent 13 by the lote-tree of the farthest limit, 14 Nigh thereto is the Garden of Abode. 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong! 17 He saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 And Manat the other third? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 22 These are nothing but names that you and your forefathers have invented, for which Allah has sent down no authority. They are merely following their conjectures and their carnal desires although guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Or shall man have whatever he fancies? 24 And to God belongs the First and the Last. 25