The Human (Al-Insan)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
WAS THERE NOT a time in the life of man when he was not even a mentionable thing? 1 Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), of 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 indeed kept prepared chains, and shackles and a blazing fire for the disbelievers. 4 [whereas,] behold, the truly virtuous shall drink from a cup flavoured with the calyx of sweet-smelling flowers: 5 This will be a gushing spring wherefrom Allah's servants shall drink wine, a spring from which they will take out channels wherever they wish. 6 The servants of God fulfill their vows and are afraid of the day in which there will be widespread terror. 7 who give food, for the love of Him to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, 8 (saying): 'We feed you only desirous of the Face of Allah; we seek of you neither recompense nor thanks, 9 Surely we fear from our Lord a stern, distressful day. 10 So God has guarded them from the evil of that day, and has procured them radiancy and gladness, 11 and will reward them for their steadfastness with Paradise and robes of silk. 12 In that [garden] they will on couches recline, and will know therein neither [burning] sun nor cold severe, 13 And close upon them will be the shades thereof, and low will hang the clusters thereof greatly. 14 They will be served with silver dishes and crystal clear goblets. 15 Godblets of silver, they shall have filled them to exact measure. 16 And therein they shall be given to drink of a cup whereof the admixture will be ginger. 17 From a fountain therein, named Salsabil. 18 ۞ And immortal youths will wait upon them: when thou seest them, thou wouldst deem them to be scattered pearls; 19 when thou seest them then thou seest bliss 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 it will be said to them): "Verily, this is a reward for you, and your endeavour has been accepted." 22