The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
HAS THERE [not] been an endless span of time before man [appeared - a time] when he was not yet a thing to be thought of? 1 Lo! We create man from a drop of thickened fluid to test him; so We make him hearing, knowing. 2 Surely We guided him upon the way whether he be thankful or unthankful. 3 Lo! We have prepared for disbelievers manacles and carcans and a raging fire. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 From a fountain whence the bondmen of Allah will drink, causing it to gush abundantly. 6 The servants of God fulfill their vows and are afraid of the day in which there will be widespread terror. 7 they give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and orphans and captives, 8 [saying, in their hearts,] "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: 9 for we fear from our Lord a stern, frownful Day' 10 Therefore Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness; 11 And shall recompense them for that which they patiently bare with a Garden and silken garment. 12 Reclining there upon couches, they shall see neither the sun nor the moon. 13 the shading branches of trees will come down low over them, and their clusters of fruit, will hang down where they are the easiest to reach. 14 and there shall be passed around them vessels of silver, and goblets of crystal, 15 Clear glasses [made] from silver of which they have determined the measure. 16 And they shall be given to drink from a cup whose mixture is ginger, 17 A spring there, called Salsabil. 18 ۞ And there shall go round unto them youths ever-young. When thou seest them thou wouldst deem them pearls unstrung. 19 And when you look there [in Paradise], you will see pleasure and great dominion. 20 Upon them shall be garments of fine green silk and of brocades. And adorned they shall be with bracelets of silver: and their Lord shall give them drink a beverage pure. 21 This is your reward. Your endeavour is fully acknowledged. 22