The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
By the star when it setteth. 1 This fellow-man of yours has not gone astray, nor is he deluded, 2 nor does he speak out of his desire. 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 something that a very mighty one has imparted to him: 5 Lord of power and wisdom. So he acquired poise and balance, 6 And he is in the highest part of the horizon. 7 Then he approached and descended 8 So the distance between the Spectacle and the beloved was only two arms’ length, or even less. (The Heavenly Journey of Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – was with body and soul.) 9 and revealed to God's servant what he revealed. 10 His heart did not falsify what he perceived. 11 Will ye therefore dispute with him concerning that which he hath seen? 12 Indeed, he saw him in another descent 13 Near the lote-tree of the last boundary. 14 Near which is the garden, the place to be resorted to. 15 when the lote tree was covered in mystic splendour. 16 His eye did not waver, nor did it stray, 17 He certainly saw 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, have you males, and He females! 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 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 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25