The Embryo (Al-Alaq)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
(Muhammad), read in the name of your Lord who created (all things). 1 Created man from an embryo; 2 Read, for your Lord is most beneficent, 3 who, by the pen, taught the human being: 4 Hath taught man that which he knew not. 5 Nay! man is most surely inordinate, 6 That he thinketh himself independent! 7 for, behold, unto thy Sustainer all must return. 8 What is your opinion – regarding him who forbids – 9 a servant [of God] from praying? 10 What is your opinion – if he were upon guidance, 11 Or had enjoined piety, (it would have been better)? 12 What thinkest thou? If he cries lies, and turns away - 13 Is he then unaware that Allah seeth? 14 Let him beware! If he does not desist, We will drag him by the forelock -- 15 a lying, sinful forelock. 16 and then let him summon [to his aid] the counsels of his own [spurious] wisdom, 17 We too would summon the braves of the army. 18 Nay! obey him not, and make obeisance and draw nigh (to Allah). ۩ 19
Allah Almighty has spoken the truth.
End of Surah: The Embryo (Al-Alaq). Sent down in Mecca. First revelation of the Quran before
The Pen (Al-Qalam)