The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most 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 And he does not say anything by his own desire. 3 It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to him. 4 taught by One who is Stern in power. 5 Lord of power and wisdom. So he acquired poise and balance, 6 the strong one who appeared on the uppermost horizon. 7 Thereafter he drew nigh, then he let himself down. 8 And was at a distance of two bows' length or (even) nearer, 9 So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. 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 What! do you then dispute with him as to what he saw? 12 And assuredly he saw him at another descent. 13 Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], 14 Nigh unto which is the Garden of Abode. 15 When that covered the lote-tree which did cover it! 16 The eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the limit. 17 Certainly he saw of the greatest signs of his Lord. 18 Have ye thought upon Al-Lat and Al-'Uzza 19 And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 20 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female? 21 Then that is surely a very unjust distribution! 22 They are but names which ye have named, ye and your fathers, for which Allah hath sent down no authority. They follow but their fancy, and that which pleaseth their souls; whereas assuredly there hath come unto them from their Lord the guidance. 23 Is the human to have whatever he fancies? 24 To Allah belongs the Eternal life and the first life. 25