The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
Has there come on man a while of time when he was a thing unremembered? 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 have indeed shown him the way – whether he is grateful or ingrate. 3 Surely We have prepared for the unbelievers chains and shackles and a burning fire. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 A fountain from which the servants of Allah shall drink; they make it to flow a (goodly) flowing forth. 6 These will be the ones who fulfil their vows and dread the Day whose woe shall be spread far and wide; 7 And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive,- 8 [saying, in their hearts,] "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: 9 Indeed, We fear from our Lord a Day austere and distressful." 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 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 made to go round about them vessels of silver and goblets which are of glass, 15 Crystal-clear, made of silver: they will determine the measure thereof (according to their wishes). 16 and they will be given a cup to drink flavoured with ginger, 17 drawn from a spring (in Paradise) called Salsabil. 18 ۞ And round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness): If thou seest them, thou wouldst think them scattered Pearls. 19 And when you look there [in Paradise], you will see pleasure and great dominion. 20 They [i.e., the virtuous] shall be attired in garments of fine green silk and rich brocade and will be adorned with bracelets of silver. Their Lord will give them a pure wine to drink. 21 "This in truth is your recompense, and acceptance of your endeavours." 22