The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I swear by the star when it goes down. 1 That your companion is not confused, nor has he gone astray, 2 nor does he speak out of his desire. 3 It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. 4 One of mighty powers hath taught it him. 5 by the great mighty one (Gabriel), 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 then came down close 8 until he was as close to him as the distance of two bows, or even less. 9 When He revealed to His votary what He revealed. 10 The heart did not deny, what it saw. (The Holy Prophet was bestowed with seeing Allah – see also preceding verses 8, 9, 10.) 11 Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him in another descent, 13 By the Lote-tree beyond which none can pass, 14 Near it is the Garden of Refuge - 15 When the Lote-tree was covered over with what it was covered over; 16 [And withal,] the eye did not waver, nor yet did it stray: 17 and he certainly saw some of the greatest Signs of His Lord. 18 So have you considered al-Lat and al-'Uzza? 19 And Manat, the other third (of the pagan deities)? 20 What! for you the males and for Him the females! 21 Then that is surely a very unjust distribution! 22 These [allegedly divine beings] are nothing but empty names which you have invented - you and your forefathers - [and] for which God has bestowed no warrant from on high. They [who worship them] follow nothing but surmise and their own wishful thinking - although right guidance has now indeed come unto them from their Sustainer. 23 Or shall man have what he wishes? 24 All that is in the life to come and all that is in this life belongs only to God. 25