The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion does not err, nor does he go astray; 2 nor speaks he out of caprice. 3 This is naught but a revelation revealed, 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 He (Gabriel) then came nearer and nearer. 8 until he was as close to him as the distance of two bows, or even less. 9 so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper (Gabriel) that which he revealed (to Prophet Muhammad). 10 The heart did not lie [about] what it saw. 11 Will you dispute with him what he saw? 12 He certainly saw him (Gabriel) during his other ascent 13 Near the lote-tree of the last boundary. 14 Near it is the Garden of Abode. 15 When the Lote-tree was covered over with what it was covered over; 16 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong! 17 Indeed he saw the supreme signs of his Lord. 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 and Manat the third, the other? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 This is certainly an unjust apportioning. 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 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25