The Human (Al-Insan)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
WAS THERE NOT a time in the life of man when he was not even a mentionable thing? 1 Verily We! We created man from a sperm of mixtures, that We might prove him, wherefore We made him hearing, seeing. 2 Surely We have shown him the way: he may be thankful or unthankful. 3 Verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers iron chains, iron collars, and a blazing Fire. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 From a fountain whence the bondmen of Allah will drink, causing it to gush abundantly. 6 They [are those who] fulfill [their] vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread. 7 And out of His love, they give food to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner. 8 (saying): “We feed you only for Allah's sake; we do not seek of you any recompense or thanks, 9 Verily we dread from our Lord a Day grim and distressful. 10 Therefor Allah hath warded off from them the evil of that day, and hath made them find brightness and joy; 11 and will reward them for all their patience in adversity with a garden [of bliss] and with [garments of] silk. 12 Reclining therein upon couches, they shall behold therein neither sun nor hurting cold. 13 The shadows will bend over them, and low will hang the clusters of grapes. 14 And there will be circulated among them vessels of silver and cups having been [created] clear [as glass], 15 crystal-like, [but] of silver - the measure whereof they alone will determine. 16 Therein they shall be served a cup flavoured with ginger, 17 A spring there, 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 thou seest [anything that is] there thou wilt see [only] bliss and a realm transcendent 20 Their garments will be of fine green silk, and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink. 21 Behold, this is a recompense for you, and your striving is thanked.' 22