The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
By the Star when it setteth, 1 Your companion does not err, nor does he go astray; 2 And he does not say anything by his own desire. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 He was taught by [an angel] who is mighty in power, 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] approached and came closer, 8 And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer. 9 and revealed to God's servant what he revealed. 10 The heart did not lie [about] what it saw. 11 will you, then, contend with him as to what he saw? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 At the farthest lote-tree; 14 Close to which is the Garden of Tranquility, 15 when the lote tree was covered in mystic splendour. 16 The sight did not shift, nor did it cross the limits. 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 Manat the third, the other? 20 Is it for you the males and for Him the females? 21 that, lo and behold, is an unfair division! 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 Or is there for man whatever he wishes? 24 But to Allah belongs the last (Hereafter) and the first (the world). 25