The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
WAS THERE NOT a time in the life of man when he was not even a mentionable thing? 1 Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight. 2 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 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 And out of His love, they give food to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner. 8 (Saying): "We feed you seeking Allah's Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you. 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 will reward them for their steadfastness with Paradise and robes of silk. 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 goblets of crystal,- 15 crystal-like, [but] of silver - the measure whereof they alone will determine. 16 There are they watered with a cup whereof the mixture is of Zanjabil, 17 [derived from] a source [to be found] therein, whose name is "Seek Thy Way". 18 ۞ They will be attended by youths who will not age -- when you see them you will think them to be like sprinkled pearls -- 19 And when thou lookest them thou shalt behold delight and a dominion magnificent. 20 Upon them shall be green garments of silk and brocade; they are adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord shall give them to drink a pure draught. 21 This is your reward. Your endeavour is fully acknowledged. 22