The Stars (Al-Najm)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
CONSIDER this unfolding [of God's message,] as it comes down from on high! 1 Your companion did not err, nor did he go astray. 2 And he speaketh not of his own desire. 3 It is naught but revelation that is revealed, 4 taught by One who is Stern in power. 5 One strong of make. Then he stood straight. 6 And he was on the horizon of the highest heaven. 7 Then he drew nigh and came down 8 until he was as close to him as the distance of two bows, or even less. 9 and revealed to God's servant what he revealed. 10 The [servant's] heart did not give the lie to what he saw: 11 Will you then argue with him about what he saw? 12 He certainly saw him (Gabriel) during his other ascent 13 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: 14 near which is Paradise. 15 When that covered the lote-tree which did cover it! 16 The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit]. 17 Verily he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord. 18 HAVE YOU, then, ever considered [what you are worshipping in] Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, 19 And Manat, the third, the other? 20 What! For you the son, and for Him the daughter? 21 That were indeed an unjust division. 22 these are nothing but names which you yourselves have devised, you and your forefathers. God has sent down no authority for them. They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own selves desire, even though guidance has already come to them from their Lord! 23 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after? 24 To Allah belong both the Next World and the present. 25