The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
Was there not a period of time when man was nothing worth mentioning? 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 Lo! We have shown him the way, whether he be grateful or disbelieving. 3 Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blaze. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 a fountain at which the worshipers of Allah drink and make it gush forth abundantly; 6 They fulfil their pledges, and fear a day the evil of which is widespread. 7 And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive,- 8 [Saying], "We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude. 9 for we fear from our Lord a stern, frownful Day' 10 So Allah shall guard them against the woe of that Day, and will procure them freshness and joy, 11 And gave them Paradise and silk clothes, as a reward for their patience. 12 Where they will recline on couches feeling neither heat of the sun nor intense cold. 13 the shading branches of trees will come down low over them, and their clusters of fruit, will hang down where they are the easiest 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 therein they shall be given to drink a cup whose mixture is ginger, 17 [From] a fountain within Paradise named Salsabeel. 18 ۞ They will be served by immortal youths who look like scattered pearls. 19 When thou seest, thou wilt see there bliss and high estate. 20 Upon them there will be garments of green silk, rich brocade, and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver. Their Lord will give them a pure beverage to drink. 21 [And they will be told:] "Verily, all this is your reward since Your endeavour [in life] has met [God's] goodly acceptance!" 22