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 We created the human being from the union of sperm and egg to test him. We gave him hearing and vision. 2 Verily, We have shown him the way: [and it rests with him to prove himself] either grateful or ungrateful. 3 Verily We! We have gotten ready for the infidels chains and collars and a Blaze. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 A spring of which the [righteous] servants of Allah will drink; they will make it gush forth in force [and abundance]. 6 (Because) they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide-spreading, 7 And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, 8 (Saying): "We feed you for the sake of God, desiring neither recompense nor thanks. 9 for we fear from our Lord a stern, frownful Day' 10 So Allah will save them from the evil of that Day and has secured for them radiance and joyfulness, 11 and will reward them for their steadfastness with Paradise and robes of silk. 12 Where they will recline on couches feeling neither heat of the sun nor intense cold. 13 Near them shall be its shades with its clusters hung gently down, 14 And they will be waited upon with vessels of silver and goblets that will [seem to] be crystal 15 (Transparent as) glass, made of silver; they have measured them according to a measure. 16 And therein they shall be given to drink a cup whose mixture is ginger, 17 from a flowing spring called Salsabil. 18 ۞ Immortal youths shall go about them; when thou seest them, thou supposest them scattered pearls, 19 If you were to see it, you would find it to be a great kingdom with great bounty. 20 Upon them shall be garments of fine green silk and thick silk interwoven with gold, and they shall be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord shall make them drink a pure drink. 21 Behold, this is a recompense for you, and your striving is thanked.' 22