The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Was there a period of time when man was not even worthy of a mention? 1 Surely We have created man from a small life-germ uniting (itself): We mean to try him, so We have made him hearing, seeing. 2 Indeed, We have guided him to the path, he is either grateful or ungrateful. 3 We have prepared for unbelievers chains and collars and a blazing fire. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 a source [of bliss] whereof God's servants shall drink, seeing it flow in a flow abundant. 6 [The truly virtuous are] they [who] fulfil their vows, and stand in awe of a Day the woe of which is bound to spread far and wide, 7 those who, for the love of Him, feed the needy, and the orphan, and the captive, 8 They say to them, “We give you food, only for the sake of Allah – we do not seek any reward or thanks from you.” 9 for we fear from our Lord a frowning day, inauspicious. 10 So God has guarded them from the evil of that day, and has procured them radiancy and gladness, 11 And gave them Paradise and silk clothes, as a reward for their patience. 12 Reclining therein on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). 13 since its [blissful] shades will come down low over them, and low will hang down its clusters of fruit, most easy to reach. 14 And amongst them will be passed round vessels of silver and cups of crystal, 15 Godblets of silver, they shall have filled them to exact measure. 16 There will they drink a cup flavoured with ginger 17 [derived from] a source [to be found] therein, whose name is "Seek Thy Way". 18 ۞ There boys of everlasting youth shall go about attending them: when you see them, you would think that they are scattered pearls. 19 And when you look there (in Paradise), you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a great dominion. 20 They will have fine green silk and brocade, and they will be decked with bracelets of silver. Their Lord will provide them with a drink of pure wine. 21 "Verily this is a Reward for you, and your Endeavour is accepted and recognised." 22