The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
By the declining star, 1 That your companion is not confused, nor has he gone astray, 2 and neither does he speak out of his own desire: 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 taught by One who is Stern in power. 5 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 6 While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon. 7 Then he drew near, then he bowed 8 until he was as close to him as the distance of two bows, or even less. 9 And He revealed to His servant what He revealed. 10 His heart did not falsify what he perceived. 11 Will ye therefore dispute with him concerning that which he hath seen? 12 Indeed, he saw him another time 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 Near it is the Garden of Refuge - 15 When there comes to the Lote Tree, that which comes 16 his eyes did not swerve, nor did they stray 17 for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 So did you observe the idols Lat and Uzza? 19 and Manat the third, the other? 20 Do sons belong to you and daughters to God? 21 That is indeed 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 is there for man whatever he wishes? 24 despite the fact that [both] the life to come and this present [one] belong to God [alone]? 25