The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your comrade erreth not, nor is deceived; 2 Nor does he speak out of desire. 3 It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to him. 4 and taught to him 5 one endowed with immense wisdom. He came forth and stood poised, 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then the Spectacle became closer, and came down in full view. 8 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; 9 then revealed to his servant that he revealed. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him another time 13 At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary - 14 Nigh unto which 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 and he certainly saw some of the greatest Signs of His Lord. 18 Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-'Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs). 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female? 21 That indeed were an unfair 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 Is the human to have whatever he fancies? 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25