The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
I CALL TO witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped 1 your comrade is not astray, neither errs, 2 Nor does he speak out of desire. 3 This is only revelation communicated, 4 Which one of mighty powers hath taught him, 5 Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm 6 being on the higher horizon. 7 Then he approached and descended 8 until he was as close to him as the distance of two bows, or even less. 9 And thus did [God] reveal unto His servant whatever He deemed right to reveal. 10 His heart did not falsify what he perceived. 11 What! So do you dispute with him regarding what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 When the lote-tree was being enveloped, by whatever around it. 16 The eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the limit. 17 Assuredly he beheld of the sign of his Lord, the greatest. 18 Have you really considered al-Lat and al-"Uzza, 19 and about the third deity, al-Manat? 20 What! For you the son, and for Him the daughter? 21 That indeed is a division unfair! 22 They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow but a guess and that which they themselves desire, whereas there has surely come to them the Guidance from their Lord! 23 Or shall man have what he wishes? 24 To God belong the End and the Beginning. 25