The Embryo (Al-Alaq)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Recite thou in the name of thy Lord Who hath created 1 created man out of a germ-cell 2 Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,- 3 Who taught by the pen, 4 Taught man what he knew not. 5 Nay, verily, man becomes grossly overweening 6 for he believes himself to be self-sufficient. 7 Surely unto thy Lord is the Returning. 8 What do you think? Have you seen he who forbids 9 A slave when he prayeth? 10 What is your opinion – if he were upon guidance, 11 Or enjoineth piety? 12 Did you consider: what if he gives the lie (to the Truth) and turns away (from it)? 13 Did he not know that God sees? 14 Nay! if he desist not, We would certainly smite his forehead, 15 A lying, sinful forehead. 16 Let him call on his associates for help 17 We too shall summon the guards of Hell. 18 Nay, heed him not: But bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer (to Allah)! ۩ 19
Almighty God's Truth.
End of Surah: The Embryo (Al-Alaq). Sent down in Mecca. First revelation of the Quran before
The Pen (Al-Qalam)