The Embryo (Al-Alaq)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- 1 He created man from a clot. 2 Read, and your Lord only is the Most Beneficent, 3 Who taught (to write) with the pen 4 Taught man what he knew not. 5 Despite this, the human being still tends to rebel 6 because he thinks himself self-sufficient: 7 Indeed, to your Lord is the return. 8 What is your opinion – regarding him who forbids – 9 A bondman when he offers the prayer? 10 Have you seen if he was upon guidance 11 Or enjoins righteousness? 12 What do you think? Have you seen if he belies and turns away, 13 Knoweth he not that Allah doth see? 14 Let him know that if he does not desist, We shall certainly drag him by his forelocks, 15 A lying, sinful forelock! 16 Then let him summon his council, 17 We will call on the angels of punishment (to deal with him)! 18 Nay, Obey not thou him. But prostrate thyself, and draw near (unto Allah). ۩ 19
True are the words of Allah the Almighty.
End of Surah: The Embryo (Al-Alaq). Sent down in Mecca. First revelation of the Quran before
The Pen (Al-Qalam)