The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
By the star when it goes down, (or vanishes). 1 Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, 2 nor does he speak out of his desire. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 taught him by one terrible in power, 5 One strong of make. Then he stood straight. 6 While he was on the uppermost horizon. 7 Then he approached and descended 8 until he was two bows' length away, or nearer. 9 Thus He revealed unto His bondman whatsoever He revealed. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 Are you, then, going to contend with him regarding what he sees with his eyes? 12 For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13 by the lote-tree at the farthest boundary, 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 The eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the limit. 17 Indeed he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord. 18 Have you considered Lat and 'Uzza, 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 What, have you males, and He females! 21 That were indeed an unjust division. 22 They are naught but names which you have named, you and your fathers; Allah has not sent for them any authority. They follow naught but conjecture and the low desires which (their) souls incline to; and certainly the guidance has come to them from their Lord. 23 Or shall man have what he wishes? 24 And to God belongs the First and the Last. 25