The Human (Al-Insan)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Was there a period of time when man was not even worthy of a mention? 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 [Now,] behold, for those who deny the truth, We have prepared chains, iron collars and a blazing fire, but 4 Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of Kafur, 5 A spring of which the [righteous] servants of Allah will drink; they will make it gush forth in force [and abundance]. 6 They keep their vows and fear a day the woe of which will spread far and wide; 7 And feed the needy for the love of Him, and the orphans and the captives, 8 (Saying): "We feed you for the sake of God, desiring neither recompense nor thanks. 9 for we fear from our Lord a frowning day, inauspicious. 10 So Allah will save them from the evil of that Day and has secured for them radiance and joyfulness, 11 and will reward them for their steadfastness with Paradise and robes of silk. 12 Reclining therein upon couches, they will find there neither (heat of) a sun nor bitter cold. 13 And close upon them will be the shades thereof, and low will hang the clusters thereof greatly. 14 Passed round will be silver flagons and goblets made of glass, 15 Clear glasses [made] from silver of which they have determined the measure. 16 And in that [paradise] they will be given to drink of a cup flavoured with ginger, 17 from a spring named salsabil. 18 ۞ And round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness): If thou seest them, thou wouldst think them scattered Pearls. 19 And when you look towards it, you will see serenity and a great kingdom. 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 This will be their reward and their efforts will be appreciated. 22