The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion did not err, nor did he go astray. 2 Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. 3 that [which he conveys to you] is but [a divine] inspiration with which he is being inspired 4 Which one of mighty powers hath taught him, 5 Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm 6 While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon. 7 then came down close 8 until he was two bow-lengths away or even closer 9 And He revealed unto His slave that which He revealed. 10 His heart did not falsify what he perceived. 11 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he seeth? 12 He certainly saw him (Gabriel) during his other ascent 13 Near the lote-tree of the last boundary. 14 near unto the garden of promise. 15 When that which covers covered the lote-tree; 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 truly did he see some of the most profound of his Sustainer's symbols. 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 Is it for you the males and for Him the females? 21 This indeed is an unjust division! 22 these are nothing but names which you yourselves have devised, you and your forefathers. God has sent down no authority for them. They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own selves desire, even though guidance has already come to them from their Lord! 23 Can ever man get what he desires? 24 But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong. 25