The Human (Al-Insan)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
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 Surely We have shown him the way: he may be thankful or unthankful. 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 fountain whereat drink the servants of God, making it to gush forth plenteously. 6 they who keep their vows and fear a Day whose evil is spread; 7 And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, 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 "Verily, We fear from our Lord a Day, hard and distressful, that will make the faces look horrible (from extreme dislikeness to it)." 10 Therefor Allah hath warded off from them the evil of that day, and hath made them find brightness and joy; 11 And hath awarded them for all that they endured, a Garden and silk attire; 12 Reclining upon couches, they will find therein neither the heat of the sun nor bitter, biting cold, 13 The shades of the garden will be closely spread over them and it will be easy for them to reach the fruits. 14 And they will be waited upon with vessels of silver and goblets that will [seem to] be crystal 15 Godblets of silver, they shall have filled them to exact measure. 16 Therein they shall be served a cup flavoured with ginger, 17 Which is a spring in Paradise called Salsabeel. 18 ۞ And boys of everlasting youth will go about attending them. Looking at them you would think that they were pearls dispersed. 19 wherever you look, you will see bliss and a great kingdom: 20 Their raiment will be fine green silk and gold embroidery. Bracelets of silver will they wear. Their Lord will slake their thirst with a pure drink. 21 Behold, this is a recompense for you, and your striving is thanked.' 22