The Human (Al-Insan)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Was there not a period of time when man was nothing worth mentioning? 1 Lo! We create man from a drop of thickened fluid to test him; so We make him hearing, knowing. 2 Verily, We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful. 3 [Now,] behold, for those who deny the truth, We have prepared chains, iron collars and a blazing fire, but 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 a fountain whereat drink the servants of God, making it to gush forth plenteously. 6 (Because) they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide-spreading, 7 those who, for the love of Him, feed the needy, and the orphan, and the captive, 8 Saying: we feed you only for the sake of Allah; we desire not from you any recompense or thanks. 9 Lo! we fear from our Lord a day of frowning and of fate. 10 Therefor Allah hath warded off from them the evil of that day, and hath made them find brightness and joy; 11 And shall recompense them for that which they patiently bare with a Garden and silken garment. 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 Also there will be crystal clear goblets of silver containing the exact measure of drink which they desire. 16 And therein they shall be given to drink a cup whose mixture is ginger, 17 Which is a spring in Paradise called Salsabeel. 18 ۞ And round about them shall go youths never altering in age; when you see them you will think them to be scattered pearls. 19 And when thou lookest, it is there thou wilt see a Bliss and a Realm Magnificent. 20 They [i.e., the virtuous] shall be attired in garments of fine green silk and rich brocade and will be adorned with bracelets of silver. Their Lord will give them a pure wine to drink. 21 (And it will be said to them): "Verily, this is a reward for you, and your endeavour has been accepted." 22