The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
WAS THERE NOT a time in the life of man when he was not even a mentionable thing? 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 We have indeed shown him the way – whether he is grateful or ingrate. 3 We have indeed kept prepared chains, and shackles and a blazing fire for the disbelievers. 4 Surely the devotees will drink cups flavoured with palm blossoms 5 which flows from a spring from which the servants of God will drink. 6 They fulfill vows and fear a day the evil of which shall be spreading far and wide. 7 those who, for the love of Him, feed the needy, and the orphan, and the captive, 8 [saying, in their hearts,] "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: 9 We fear the dismal day calamitous from our Lord." 10 Wherefore Allah shall preserve them from the evil of that Day, and shall cause them to meet brightness and joy. 11 and will reward them for their steadfastness with Paradise and robes of silk. 12 Reclining in it, upon thrones; they will not see the hot sunshine in it, nor the bitter cold. 13 The shadows will bend over them, and low will hang the clusters of grapes. 14 Passed round will be silver flagons and goblets made of glass, 15 crystal-like, [but] of silver - the measure whereof they alone will determine. 16 And in that [paradise] they will be given to drink of a cup flavoured with ginger, 17 Which is a spring in Paradise called Salsabeel. 18 ۞ And there shall go round unto them youths ever-young. When thou seest them thou wouldst deem them pearls unstrung. 19 If you were to see it, you would find it to be a great kingdom with great bounty. 20 Upon the inhabitants will be green garments of fine silk and brocade. And they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a purifying drink. 21 Surely this is a reward for you, and your striving shall be recompensed. 22