The Human (Al-Insan)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
HAS THERE [not] been an endless span of time before man [appeared - a time] when he was not yet a thing to be thought of? 1 We created the human being from the union of sperm and egg to test him. We gave him hearing and vision. 2 Surely We guided him upon the way whether he be thankful or unthankful. 3 For the unbelievers, We have kept ready chains and fetters and a Blazing Fire. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 From a fountain whence the bondmen of Allah will drink, causing it to gush abundantly. 6 Those who fulfil their vows and fear the Day whose evil shall be diffused far and wide, 7 And they give food out of love for Him to the poor and the orphan and the captive: 8 (saying): 'We feed you only desirous of the Face of Allah; we seek of you neither recompense nor thanks, 9 We fear the dismal day calamitous from our Lord." 10 God will certainly rescue them from the terror of that day and will meet them with joy and pleasure. 11 and will reward them for their steadfastness with Paradise and robes of silk. 12 Reclining there upon couches, they shall see neither the sun nor the moon. 13 Near them shall be its shades with its clusters hung gently down, 14 and passed around them shall be silver vessels, and crystal goblets, 15 crystal of silver that they have measured -- very exactly. 16 And they will be given to drink there a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabil (ginger, etc.), 17 (Of) a fountain therein which is named Salsabil. 18 ۞ And there shall go round unto them youths ever-young. When thou seest them thou wouldst deem them pearls unstrung. 19 When you look around, you will see delights and great dominion. 20 Upon them shall be garments of fine green silk and of brocades. And adorned they shall be with bracelets of silver: and their Lord shall give them drink a beverage pure. 21 'See, this is your recompense, your striving is thanked' 22