The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 That your companion is not confused, nor has he gone astray, 2 nor does he speak out of his desire. 3 It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to him. 4 One of mighty powers hath taught it him. 5 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 6 When he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he approached and came closer, 8 until he was but two bow-lengths away, or even nearer. 9 Thus He revealed unto His bondman whatsoever He revealed. 10 His heart added no untruth to what he saw. 11 What, will you dispute with him about what he sees! 12 And verily he saw him yet another time 13 At the farthest lote-tree; 14 near which is Paradise. 15 When the Lote-tree was covered over with what it was covered over; 16 His sight did not waver nor was it unduly bold. 17 Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord. 18 HAVE YOU, then, ever considered [what you are worshipping in] Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, 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 That is indeed an unfair division! 22 these are nothing but names which you yourselves have devised, you and your forefathers. God has sent down no authority for them. They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own selves desire, even though guidance has already come to them from their Lord! 23 Can ever man get what he desires? 24 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25