The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
WAS THERE NOT a time in the life of man when he was not even a mentionable thing? 1 Surely We have created man from a small life-germ uniting (itself): We mean to try him, so We have made him hearing, seeing. 2 We surely showed him the way that he may either be grateful or deny. 3 Surely We have prepared for the unbelievers chains and shackles and a burning fire. 4 The virtuous shall drink from a cup tempered with camphor water. 5 A Fountain where the Devotees of Allah do drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance. 6 They fulfil their vows, and fear a day whose evil is upon the wing; 7 And feed the needy for the love of Him, and the orphans and the captives, 8 [saying, in their hearts,] "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: 9 "We only fear a Day of distressful Wrath from the side of our Lord." 10 But Allah will deliver them from the evil of that Day, and will shed over them a Light of Beauty and (blissful) Joy. 11 And hath awarded them for all that they endured, a Garden and silk attire; 12 There they will recline on elevated couches and will be subjected neither to the burning heat of the sun nor to bitter cold. 13 And the shade thereof is close upon them, and the bunches of fruit thereof will hang low within their reach. 14 Rounds of silver cups and silver beakers, looking like glass, will be presented upon them. 15 and gleaming silver goblets which have been filled to the exact measure, 16 And they shall be given to drink from a cup whose mixture is ginger, 17 from a spring named salsabil. 18 ۞ They will be attended by youths who will not age -- when you see them you will think them to be like sprinkled pearls -- 19 And when thou lookest, it is there thou wilt see a Bliss and a Realm Magnificent. 20 Upon them will be green Garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with Bracelets of silver; and their Lord will give to them to drink of a Wine Pure and Holy. 21 "This in truth is your recompense, and acceptance of your endeavours." 22