Al-Insan

Was there not a long stretch of time when man was nothing worth mentioning? Allah created him from a drop of mixed fluids to test him, made him hearing and seeing, and showed him the way, grateful or ungrateful. For the ungrateful are chains, iron collars and a blazing fire. The righteous drink from a cup mixed with camphor, from a spring that Allah’s servants make flow wherever they wish. They keep their vows and fear a Day whose harm spreads far; they give food, though they love it, to the poor, the orphan and the captive: “We feed you only for the sake of Allah; we want no reward from you and no thanks. We fear from our Lord a grim, distressful Day.” So Allah protects them from that Day, gives them radiance and joy, and rewards their patience with a Garden and silk. They recline on raised couches, seeing no scorching sun and no bitter cold; its shade is close and its fruit hangs low. Silver vessels and crystal cups are passed among them, a drink mixed with ginger from a spring called Salsabil, served by ageless youths like scattered pearls. Wherever you look there is bliss and a great kingdom; they wear green silk and brocade and silver bracelets, and their Lord gives them a pure drink: “This is your reward; your effort has been appreciated.” Allah sent the Quran down to the Prophet ﷺ in stages, so he should be patient, not obey the sinner or the ungrateful, remember his Lord morning and evening, and prostrate and glorify Him through the long night. People love this fleeting world and leave a heavy Day behind them. Allah created them and can replace them. This is a reminder; whoever wishes may take a way to their Lord, though no one wills unless Allah wills. He admits whoever He wills into His mercy, and for the wrongdoers He has prepared a painful punishment.