The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your comrade erreth not, nor is deceived; 2 Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. 3 This is nothing but a revelation that is conveyed to him, 4 He was taught by [an angel] who is mighty in power, 5 one endowed with immense wisdom. He came forth and stood poised, 6 While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon. 7 Then he [Jibrael (Gabriel)] approached and came closer, 8 Until a space of two bow arcs or even less remained, 9 So did (Allah) convey the Inspiration to His slave [Muhammad SAW through Jibrael (Gabriel)]. 10 His (Muhammad's) heart did not lie to him about what his eyes had seen. 11 will you, then, contend with him as to what he saw? 12 Indeed he saw him a second time, 13 At the farthest lote-tree; 14 Close to which is the Everlasting Paradise. 15 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) 16 his eyes did not swerve, nor did they stray 17 Certainly he saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have ye thought upon Al-Lat and Al-'Uzza 19 And subsequently the third, the Manat? 20 Is the male for you and for Him the female? 21 Then that is surely a very unjust distribution! 22 These are only names which you and your fathers have invented. No authority was sent down by God for them. They only follow conjecture and wish-fulfilment, even though guidance had come to them already from their Lord. 23 Does man imagine that whatever he wishes for is right for him? 24 But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong. 25