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 Verily We! We created man from a sperm of mixtures, that We might prove him, wherefore We made him hearing, seeing. 2 We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful. 3 Surely We have prepared for the unbelievers chains and shackles and a burning fire. 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 (Because) they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide-spreading, 7 And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive,- 8 (Saying): "We feed you for the sake of God, desiring neither recompense nor thanks. 9 Lo! we fear from our Lord a day of frowning and of fate. 10 So God will protect them from the evil of that day, and grant them happiness and joy, 11 and recompense them for their patience with a Garden, and robes of silk. 12 Reclining therein on raised couches, they shall find therein neither (the severe heat of) the sun nor intense cold. 13 And close down upon them (shall be) its shadows, and its fruits shall be made near (to them), being easy to reach. 14 And there shall be made to go round about them vessels of silver and goblets which are of glass, 15 and gleaming silver goblets which have been filled to the exact measure, 16 And they shall be given to drink from a cup whose mixture is ginger, 17 therein a fountain whose name is called Salsabil. 18 ۞ There wait on them immortal youths, whom, when thou seest, thou wouldst take for scattered pearls. 19 wherever you look, you will see bliss and a great kingdom: 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 (And it will be said unto them): Lo! this is a reward for you. Your endeavour (upon earth) hath found acceptance. 22