Surah 53 - Al Najm THE STAR 053.001-053.062

[Anne Terri]

Surah 53 - Al Najm THE STAR 053.001-053.062

053.001 By the Star when it goes down,-

053.002 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled.

053.003 Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire.

053.004 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him:

053.005 He was taught by one Mighty in Power,

053.006 Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form);

053.007 While he was in the highest part of the horizon:

053.008 Then he approached and came closer,

053.009 And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer;

053.010 So did (God) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey.

053.011 The (Prophet's) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw.

053.012 Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw?

053.013 For indeed he saw him at a second descent,

053.014 Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass:

053.015 Near it is the Garden of Abode.

053.016 Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!)

053.017 (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong!

053.018 For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest!

053.019 Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza,

053.020 And another, the third (goddess), Manat?

053.021 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female?

053.022 Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair!

053.023 These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which God has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!

053.024 Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after?

053.025 But it is to God that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong.

053.026 How many-so-ever be the angels in the heavens, their intercession will avail nothing except after God has given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him.

053.027 Those who believe not in the Hereafter, name the angels with female names.

053.028 But they have no knowledge therein. They follow nothing but conjecture; and conjecture avails nothing against Truth.

053.029 Therefore shun those who turn away from Our Message and desire nothing but the life of this world.

053.030 That is as far as knowledge will reach them. Verily thy Lord knoweth best those who stray from His Path, and He knoweth best those who receive guidance.

053.031 Yea, to God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: so that He rewards those who do evil, according to their deeds, and He rewards those who do good, with what is best.

053.032 Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only (falling into) small faults,- verily thy Lord is ample in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the earth, And when ye are hidden in your mothers' wombs. Therefore justify not yourselves: He knows best who it is that guards against evil.

053.033 Seest thou one who turns back,

053.034 Gives a little, then hardens (his heart)?

053.035 What! Has he knowledge of the Unseen so that he can see?

053.036 Nay, is he not acquainted with what is in the Books of Moses-

053.037 And of Abraham who fulfilled his engagements?-

053.038 Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another;

053.039 That man can have nothing but what he strives for;

053.040 That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight:

053.041 Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete;

053.042 That to thy Lord is the final Goal;

053.043 That it is He Who granteth Laughter and Tears;

053.044 That it is He Who granteth Death and Life;

053.045 That He did create in pairs,- male and female,

053.046 From a seed when lodged (in its place);

053.047 That He hath promised a Second Creation (Raising of the Dead);

053.048 That it is He Who giveth wealth and satisfaction;

053.049 That He is the Lord of Sirius (the Mighty Star);

053.050 And that it is He Who destroyed the (powerful) ancient 'Ad (people),

053.051 And the Thamud nor gave them a lease of perpetual life.

053.052 And before them, the people of Noah, for that they were (all) most unjust and most insolent transgressors,

053.053 And He destroyed the Overthrown Cities (of Sodom and Gomorrah).

053.054 So that (ruins unknown) have covered them up.

053.055 Then which of the gifts of thy Lord, (O man,) wilt thou dispute about?

053.056 This is a Warner, of the (series of) Warners of old!

053.057 The (Judgment) ever approaching draws nigh:

053.058 No (soul) but God can lay it bare.

053.059 Do ye then wonder at this recital?

053.060 And will ye laugh and not weep,-

053.061 Wasting your time in vanities?

053.062 But fall ye down in prostration to God, and adore (Him)!