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 [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. 3 It is not but a revelation revealed, 4 something that a very mighty one has imparted to him: 5 very strong; he stood poised, 6 While he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, 7 Thereafter he drew nigh, then he let himself down. 8 until he was two bows' length away, or nearer. 9 So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. 10 The heart [of the Prophet] did not misconstrue what he saw. 11 Will you then argue with him about what he saw? 12 And indeed, he saw him a second time 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 by the Garden of [Eternal] Repose, 15 When that which covers covered the lote-tree; 16 Neither did sight falter nor exceed the bounds. 17 Indeed, he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 and Manat the third, the other? 20 Are yours the males and His the females? 21 That were indeed an unjust division. 22 These are nothing but names that you and your forefathers have invented, for which Allah has sent down no authority. They are merely following their conjectures and their carnal desires although guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Can the human being have whatever he wishes? 24 To Allah belongs the Eternal life and the first life. 25