The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 your comrade is not astray, neither errs, 2 and neither does he speak out of his own desire: 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 He was taught by [an angel] who is mighty in power, 5 very strong; he stood poised, 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 Thereafter he drew nigh, then he let himself down. 8 Till he was (distant) two bows' length or even nearer, 9 then revealed to his servant that he revealed. 10 The heart lied not (in seeing) what it saw. 11 What, will you dispute with him about what he sees! 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 by the lote-tree at the farthest boundary, 14 near which is the Garden of Abode. 15 when the lote tree was covered in mystic splendour. 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord. 18 So have you considered al-Lat and al-'Uzza? 19 and your third idol al-Manat (whom you considered as God's daughters)? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 That indeed is a division most unfair! 22 They are not but [mere] names you have named them - you and your forefathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance. 23 Or shall man have what he coveteth? 24 And to God belongs the First and the Last. 25