The Embryo (Al-Alaq)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- 1 Created man from an embryo; 2 Read, and your Lord only is the Most Beneficent, 3 who, by the pen, taught the human being: 4 taught man what he did not know. 5 No indeed; surely Man waxes insolent, 6 For he thinks he is sufficient in himself. 7 Indeed towards your Lord only is the return. 8 Have you seen the one who forbids 9 A bondman when he offers the prayer? 10 What is your opinion – if he were upon guidance, 11 or is concerned with God-consciousness? 12 What is your opinion – if he denies and turns away, how wretched will be his state! 13 Does he not know that God observes all things? 14 Let him beware! If he does not desist, We will drag him by the forelock -- 15 A lying, sinful forehead. 16 and then let him summon [to his aid] the counsels of his own [spurious] wisdom, 17 We shall summon the guards of Hell. 18 No indeed! Do not obey him, but prostrate yourself and come closer to God. ۩ 19
True are the words of God the Almighty.
End of Surah: The Embryo (Al-Alaq). Sent down in Mecca. First revelation of the Quran before
The Pen (Al-Qalam)