The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
WAS THERE NOT a time in the life of man when he was not even a mentionable thing? 1 Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing. 2 We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful. 3 For the Rejecters we have prepared chains, yokes, and a blazing Fire. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 A Fountain where the Devotees of Allah do drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance. 6 They (are those who) fulfill (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be wide-spreading. 7 who give food, for the love of Him to the needy, 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 for we fear from our Lord a frowning day, inauspicious. 10 But Allah will deliver them from the evil of that Day, and will shed over them a Light of Beauty and (blissful) Joy. 11 And hath awarded them for all that they endured, a Garden and silk attire; 12 therein they shall recline upon couches, therein they shall see neither sun nor bitter cold; 13 The shades of Paradise will bend over them, and its fruits will be brought within their easy reach; 14 And there will be circulated among them vessels of silver and cups having been [created] clear [as glass], 15 goblets bright as crystal but made of silver, filled to exact measure. 16 And in that [paradise] they will be given to drink of a cup flavoured with ginger, 17 [derived from] a source [to be found] therein, whose name is "Seek Thy Way". 18 ۞ And immortal youths will wait upon them: when thou seest them, thou wouldst deem them to be scattered pearls; 19 When you look around, you will see delights and great dominion. 20 Upon those [blest] will be garments of green silk and brocade; and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver. And their Sustainer will them to drink of a drink most pure. 21 Verily this is for you by way of recompense, and your endeavour hath been accepted. 22