The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I swear by the star when it goes down. 1 Your companion does not err, nor does he go astray; 2 nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is not but a revelation revealed, 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 one endowed with immense wisdom. He came forth and stood poised, 6 appearing in the horizon's loftiest part, 7 then he drew near, and became close 8 until he was as close to him as the distance of two bows, or even less. 9 And He revealed unto His slave that which He revealed. 10 The heart did not deny, what it saw. (The Holy Prophet was bestowed with seeing Allah – see also preceding verses 8, 9, 10.) 11 Will ye therefore dispute with him concerning that which he hath seen? 12 He certainly saw him (Gabriel) during his other ascent 13 Near the lote-tree of the last boundary. 14 Close to which is the Garden of Tranquility, 15 When that covered the lote-tree which covered it. 16 The sight did not shift, nor did it cross the limits. 17 Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord. 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 And Manat the other third? 20 What! For you the son, and for Him the daughter? 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 22 These are only names which you and your fathers have invented. No authority was sent down by God for them. They only follow conjecture and wish-fulfilment, even though guidance had come to them already from their Lord. 23 Is the human to have whatever he fancies? 24 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25