The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 your companion is neither astray, neither errs, 2 Nor doth he speak of (his own) desire. 3 It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, 4 One of mighty powers hath taught it him. 5 [an angel] endowed with surpassing power, who in time manifested himself in his true shape and nature, 6 standing poised at the highest point on the horizon, 7 Then he drew near and drew closer 8 Till he was two bows length off or yet nearer. 9 And He revealed unto His slave that which He revealed. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 Are you, then, going to contend with him regarding what he sees with his eyes? 12 And assuredly he saw him at another descent. 13 by the lote-tree at the farthest boundary, 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 When the lote-tree was being enveloped, by whatever around it. 16 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong! 17 Assuredly he beheld of the sign of his Lord, the greatest. 18 Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-'Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs). 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 Why - for yourselves [you would choose only] male offspring, whereas to Him [you assign] female: 21 This is an unfair distinction! 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 Can ever man get what he desires? 24 To Allah belong both the Next World and the present. 25