The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
By the star when it setteth. 1 your companion is neither astray, neither errs, 2 nor does he speak out of his own desire. 3 It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he approached and came closer, 8 he was but two bows' length or even nearer, 9 So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. 10 The heart lied not in that which he saw. 11 Will ye therefore dispute with him concerning that which he hath seen? 12 Indeed he saw him a second time, 13 At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary - 14 Nigh thereto is the Garden of Abode. 15 When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it]. 16 The eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the limit. 17 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest! 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 and Manat the third, the other? 20 Do sons belong to you and daughters to God? 21 This indeed 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 Does man imagine that it is his due to have all that he might wish for, 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25