The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2 nor does he speak out of desire. 3 This is nothing but a revelation that is conveyed to him, 4 He was taught by one Mighty in Power, 5 One of soundness. And he rose to [his] true form 6 While he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, 7 Then he drew near and hung above suspended, 8 until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer. 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 What! So do you dispute with him regarding what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 At the farthest lote-tree; 14 Nigh unto which is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that covered the lote-tree which covered it. 16 his eye swerved not; nor swept astray. 17 truly did he see some of the most profound of his Sustainer's symbols. 18 Have you then considered the Lat and the Uzza, 19 And Manat, the third, the other? 20 What! unto you the males and unto Him the females? 21 This is an unfair distinction! 22 They are naught but names yourselves have named, and your fathers; God has sent down no authority touching them. They follow only surmise, and what the souls desire; and yet guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Does man imagine that it is his due to have all that he might wish for, 24 To Allah belongs the Eternal life and the first life. 25