The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2 nor does he speak out of desire. 3 This is nothing but a revelation that is conveyed to him, 4 Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect, 5 very strong; he stood poised, 6 While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon. 7 and then drew near, and came close, 8 until he was two bow-lengths away or even closer 9 Then he revealed to Allah's servant whatever he had to reveal. 10 The heart [of the Prophet] did not misconstrue what he saw. 11 So will you dispute with him over what he saw? 12 And certainly he saw him descend a second time: 13 By the lote-tree of the utmost boundary, 14 Near it is the Paradise of Abode. 15 with the lote-tree veiled in a veil of nameless splendour 16 His sight did not waver nor was it unduly bold. 17 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest! 18 Have you ever thought about al-Lat and al-Uzza, 19 And Manat the other third? 20 Is it for you the males and for Him the females? 21 That is indeed an unfair division! 22 They are not but [mere] names you have named them - you and your forefathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance. 23 Can the human being have whatever he wishes? 24 And to God belongs the First and the Last. 25