The Human (Al-Insan)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
WAS THERE NOT a time in the life of man when he was not even a mentionable thing? 1 Indeed We have created man from mixed semen; in order to test him – We therefore made him hearing, knowing. 2 We have indeed shown him the way – whether he is grateful or ingrate. 3 For the Rejecters we have prepared chains, yokes, and a blazing Fire. 4 Surely the pious shall drink of a cup whose mixture is camphor, 5 A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah will drink, causing it to gush forth abundantly. 6 They [are those who] fulfill [their] vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread. 7 who give food, for the love of Him to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, 8 [saying, in their hearts,] "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: 9 We fear the dismal day calamitous from our Lord." 10 Therefore Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness; 11 and recompense them for their patience with a Garden, and robes of silk. 12 There they will recline on elevated couches and will be subjected neither to the burning heat of the sun nor to bitter cold. 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 there shall be made to go round about them vessels of silver and goblets which are of glass, 15 And crystal clear bottles of silver, of which they will determine the measure themselves. 16 and they will be given a cup to drink flavoured with ginger, 17 from a flowing spring called Salsabil. 18 ۞ And boys of everlasting youth will go about attending them. Looking at them you would think that they were pearls dispersed. 19 And when thou lookest them thou shalt behold delight and a dominion magnificent. 20 They [i.e., the virtuous] shall be attired in garments of fine green silk and rich brocade and will be adorned with bracelets of silver. Their Lord will give them a pure wine to drink. 21 This will be their reward and their efforts will be appreciated. 22