The Human (Al-Insan)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, 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 Verily We created man from a sperm yoked (to the ovum) to bring out his real substance, then gave him hearing and sight. 2 Verily, We have shown him the way: [and it rests with him to prove himself] either grateful or ungrateful. 3 We have prepared chains, shackles, and flaming fire (for the disbelievers). 4 Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of Kafur, 5 which flows from a spring from which the servants of God will drink. 6 Those who fulfil their vows and fear the Day whose evil shall be diffused far and wide, 7 And feed the needy for the love of Him, and the orphans and the captives, 8 They say to them, “We give you food, only for the sake of Allah – we do not seek any reward or thanks from you.” 9 Surely we fear from our Lord a stern, distressful day. 10 So Allah saved them from the evil of that Day, and gave them Nadratan (a light of beauty) and joy. 11 and recompensed them for their patience with a Garden, and silk; 12 Reclining upon couches, they will find therein neither the heat of the sun nor bitter, biting cold, 13 The shadows will bend over them, and low will hang the clusters of grapes. 14 Rounds of silver cups and silver beakers, looking like glass, will be presented upon them. 15 (Bright as) glass but (made) of silver, which they (themselves) have measured to the measure (of their deeds). 16 There are they watered with a cup whereof the mixture is of Zanjabil, 17 (Of) a fountain therein which is named Salsabil. 18 ۞ There wait on them immortal youths, whom, when thou seest, thou wouldst take for scattered pearls. 19 and when thou seest [anything that is] there thou wilt see [only] bliss and a realm transcendent 20 They will have fine green silk and brocade, and they will be decked with bracelets of silver. Their Lord will provide them with a drink of pure wine. 21 (And it will be said to them): "Verily, this is a reward for you, and your endeavour has been accepted." 22