The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
By the star when it goes down, (or vanishes). 1 That your companion is not confused, nor has he gone astray, 2 Nor doth he speak of (his own) desire. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 and taught to him 5 Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 8 Till he was two bows length off or yet nearer. 9 Then he revealed to Allah's servant whatever he had to reveal. 10 His heart added no untruth to what he saw. 11 Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 At the farthest lote-tree; 14 near which is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that covered the lote-tree which did cover it! 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 Assuredly he beheld of the sign of his Lord, the greatest. 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 That, then, is an unjust division. 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 Or shall man have whatever he fancies? 24 And to God belongs the First and the Last. 25