The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
I swear by the star when it goes down. 1 That your companion is not confused, nor has he gone astray, 2 nor does he speak out of his desire. 3 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 Lord of power and wisdom. So he acquired poise and balance, 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he drew near and hung above suspended, 8 two bows' length away, or nearer, 9 So Allah divinely revealed to His bondman, whatever He divinely revealed. 10 The heart did not lie [about] what it saw. 11 Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 Indeed, he saw him another time 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 nigh which is the Garden of the Refuge, 15 (This was) when the lote-tree was covered with that which covered it. 16 His eye did not waver, nor did it stray, 17 He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have you considered El-Lat and El-'Uzza 19 and about the third deity, al-Manat? 20 Why - for yourselves [you would choose only] male offspring, whereas to Him [you assign] female: 21 Then that is surely a very unjust distribution! 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 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 To Allah belongs the Eternal life and the first life. 25