The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Surely there hath come upon man a space of time when he was not a thing worth mentioning. 1 We created the human being from the union of sperm and egg to test him. We gave him hearing and vision. 2 Verily, We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful. 3 We have indeed kept prepared chains, and shackles and a blazing fire for the disbelievers. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah drink, making it gush forth abundantly, 6 Those who fulfil their vows and fear the Day whose evil shall be diffused far and wide, 7 And feed with food the needy wretch, the orphan and the prisoner, for love of Him, 8 [saying, in their hearts,] "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: 9 We are afraid of our Lord and the bitterly distressful day". 10 Therefor Allah hath warded off from them the evil of that day, and hath made them find brightness and joy; 11 and recompensed them for their patience with a Garden, and silk; 12 Where they will recline on couches feeling neither heat of the sun nor intense cold. 13 near them shall be its shades, and its clusters hung meekly down, 14 Passed round will be silver flagons and goblets made of glass, 15 goblets bright as crystal but made of silver, filled to exact measure. 16 And therein they shall be given to drink a cup whose mixture is ginger, 17 (The water of) a spring therein, named Salsabil. 18 ۞ And round about them shall go youths never altering in age; when you see them you will think them to be scattered pearls. 19 And when you look there [in Paradise], you will see pleasure and great dominion. 20 Upon them shall be garments of fine green silk and thick silk interwoven with gold, and they shall be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord shall make them drink a pure drink. 21 "Verily this is a Reward for you, and your Endeavour is accepted and recognised." 22