The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

76. MAN a
A Medinan sura that speaks of how man is tested (verses 2–3) and what the
results will be for the evildoers (verse 4) and for the righteous (verses 5–22).
The Prophet is urged to persevere in his devotion and to bear with patience
(verses 23–6).
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Was there not a period of time when man was nothing to speak of ? b
2 We created man from a drop of mingled fluid to put him to the test;
We gave him hearing and sight; 3 We guided him to the right path,
whether he was grateful or not.
4 We have prepared chains, iron collars, and blazing Fire for the
disbelievers, but 5 the righteous will have a drink mixed with kafur, c
6 a spring for God’s servants, which flows abundantly at their wish.
7 They fulfil their vows; they fear a day of widespread woes; 8 they
give food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, though they love
it themselves, 9 saying, ‘We feed you for the sake of God alone: We
seek neither recompense nor thanks from you. 10 We fear the Day of
our Lord––a woefully grim Day.’ 11 So God will save them from the
woes of that Day, give them radiance and gladness, 12 and reward
them, for their steadfastness, with a Garden and silken robes.
13 They will sit on couches, feeling neither scorching heat nor biting
cold, 14 with shady [branches] spread above them and clusters of
fruit hanging close at hand. 15 They will be served with silver plates
16 and gleaming silver goblets according to their fancy, 17 and they
will be given a drink infused with ginger 18 from a spring called
Salsabil. 19 Everlasting youths will attend them––if you could see
them, you would think they were scattered pearls––20 and if you
were to look around, you would see bliss and great wealth: 21 they
will wear garments of green silk and brocade; they will be adorned
with silver bracelets; their Lord will give them a pure drink.
a See footnote g, Sura 89.
b Literally ‘Has there not come over man a period of time when he was not mentioned?’
This refers to the time before a person is born, the point being that he was
nothing, then God created him, just as He will bring him to life again for Judgement.
c A fragrant herb.