The Human (Al-Insan)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
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 We have created the human from a (sperm) drop, a mixture, testing him; We made him to hear and see. 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 The virtuous shall drink from a cup tempered with camphor water. 5 A fountain from which the servants of Allah shall drink; they make it to flow a (goodly) flowing forth. 6 They (are those who) fulfill (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be wide-spreading. 7 they give food, for the love of Him, to the needy, the orphan, 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 We fear the dismal day calamitous from our Lord." 10 So Allah shall guard them against the woe of that Day, and will procure them freshness and 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 The shades of Paradise will bend over them, and its fruits will be brought within their easy reach; 14 Vessels of silver and goblets of pure crystal will be passed round among them 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 ۞ There will circulate among them young boys made eternal. When you see them, you would think them [as beautiful as] scattered pearls. 19 And when you see there, you shall see blessings and a great kingdom. 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 [And they will be told:] "Verily, all this is your reward since Your endeavour [in life] has met [God's] goodly acceptance!" 22