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Introduction
The Surah Al-Insān is a chapter of the Holy Qur’ān that explores the very essence of humanity. The word “Insān” in fact means “human being,” and not as we usually (and also conventionally) use “The Man.” This short sura invites us on a deep inner journey, revealing the transitory nature of existence and the eternal potential of the soul.
Al-Insān reflects like a mirror the fragile images of mankind’s roots, created by a mere drop of semen, but at the same time illustrates the spiritual heights that every human being can reach through patience, gratitude and worship to GOD.
He goes on to illustrate the basic truths of our existence: we are first tested, but then we are guided to victory and growth, but we must prove our will between choosing the path of gratitude and the path of ingratitude. This will determine our fate, not only in this existence, but eternally.
We live in a time when human identity is challenged, and definitions of success and failure are often distorted, but Al-Insān emerges as a powerful and poetic reminder. It reminds us that true nobility lies not in power or wealth, but in the ability to elevate the soul through acts of selflessness and devotion.
The challenges and trials we face are but steps toward purification and spiritual perfection. We must strive to rediscover our true nature and to realize the divine potential that lies within each of us (Psalm 82).
Interlinear Translation
| Verse | Text | Transliteration | Translation | Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76:1 | هَلْ أَتَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْإِنسَٰنِ حِينٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلدَّهْرِ لَمْ يَكُن شَيْـًٔا مَّذْكُورًا | Hal atā ‘ala al-insāni ḥīnun mina al-dahri lam yakun shay’an madhkūrā | Has there [not] come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing [even] mentioned? | Has there come upon man a time when he was not something mentioned? |
| 76:2 | إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍۢ أَمْشَاجٍۢ نَّبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَٰهُ سَمِيعًۭا بَصِيرًا | Innā khalaqnā al-insāna min nuṭfatin amshājin nabtalīhi fa-ja‘alnāhu samī‘an baṣīrā | Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may test him; and We made him hearing and seeing. | Indeed, We created human kind from a mixed drop [of sperm] to test him, and We made him hearing and seeing. |
| 76:3 | إِنَّا هَدَيْنَٰهُ ٱلسَّبِيلَ إِمَّا شَاكِرًۭا وَإِمَّا كَفُورًا | Innā hadaynāhu al-sabīla immā shākirān wa-immā kafūrā | Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful. | Indeed, We guided him to the way, whether he is grateful or ungrateful. |
| 76:4 | إِنَّآ أَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَٰفِرِينَ سَلَـٰسِلَا۟ وَأَغْلَـٰلًۭا وَسَعِيرًا | Innā a‘tadnā lil-kāfirīna salāsilā wa-aghlālan wa-sa‘īrā | Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blaze. | Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blazing fire. |
| 76:5 | إِنَّ ٱلْأَبْرَارَ يَشْرَبُونَ مِن كَأْسٍۢ كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا كَافُورًا | Innā al-abrāra yashrabūna min ka’sin kāna mizājuhā kāfūrā | Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup whose mixture is of Kafur, | Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup whose mixture is of Kafur, |
| 76:6 | عَيْنًۭا يَشْرَبُ بِهَا عِبَادُ ٱللَّهِ يُفَجِّرُونَهَا تَفْجِيرًا | ‘Aynan yashrabu bihā ‘ibādu Allāhi yufajjirūnahā tafjīrā | A spring from which the servants of Allah will drink; they will make it gush forth in force. | A spring from which the servants of God will drink, causing it to burst forth abundantly. |
| 76:7 | يُوفُونَ بِٱلنَّذْرِ وَيَخَافُونَ يَوْمًۭا كَانَ شَرُّهُۥ مُسْتَطِيرًۭا | Yūfūna bi al-nadhri wa-yakhāfūna yawman kāna sharruhu mustaṭīrā | They fulfill [their] vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread. | They fulfill their vows and fear a Day whose harm will spread far and wide. |
| 76:8 | وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًۭا وَيَتِيمًۭا وَأَسِيرًا | Wa-yuṭ‘imūna al-ṭa‘āma ‘alā ḥubbihi miskīnan wa-yatīman wa-asīrā | And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, | And they feed the poor, the orphan, and the captive, despite their love for it. |
| 76:9 | إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءًۭ وَلَا شُكُورًا | Innamā nuṭ‘imukum li-wajhi Allāhi lā nurīdu minkum jazā’an wa-lā shukūrā | [Saying], “We feed you only for the face of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.” | [Saying], “We feed you for the sake of God; we do not desire from you any reward or thanks.” |
| 76:10 | إِنَّا نَخَافُ مِن رَّبِّنَا يَوْمًا عَبُوسًۭا قَمْطَرِيرًۭا | Innā nakhāfu min rabbina yawman ‘abūsan qamṭarīrā | Indeed, we fear from our Lord a Day austere and distressful.” | Indeed, we fear from our Lord a Day that will be frowning and severe.” |
| 76:11 | فَوَقَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ شَرَّ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْيَوْمِ وَلَقَّىٰهُمْ نَضْرَةًۭ وَسُرُورًۭا | Fa-waqāhum Allāhu sharra dhālika al-yawmi wa-laqqāhum naḍratan wa-surūrā | So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day and give them radiance and happiness | So God protected them from the evil of that Day and gave them brightness and joy. |
| 76:12 | وَجَزَىٰهُم بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟ جَنَّةًۭ وَحَرِيرًۭا | Wa-jazāhum bimā ṣabarū jannatan wa-ḥarīrā | And will reward them for what they patiently endured [with] a garden [in Paradise] and silk [garments]. | And He rewarded them for their patience with a garden and silk garments. |
| 76:13 | مُّتَّكِـِٔينَ فِيهَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرَآئِكِ ۖ لَا يَرَوْنَ فِيهَا شَمْسًۭا وَلَا زَمْهَرِيرًۭا | Muttaki’īna fīhā ‘alā al-arā’iki lā yarawna fīhā shamsan wa-lā zamharīrā | Reclining therein on adorned couches. They will not see therein any [burning] sun or [freezing] cold. | Reclining on couches, they will not see therein [scorching] sun nor [biting] cold. |
| 76:14 | وَدَانِيَةً عَلَيْهِمْ ظِلَٰلُهَا وَذُلِّلَتْ قُطُوفُهَا تَذْلِيلًۭا | Wa-dāniyatan ‘alayhim ẓilāluhā wa-dhullilat quṭūfuhā tadh’līlā | And near above them are its shades, and its [fruit] to be picked will be lowered in compliance. | And near them will be its shades, and its fruits will be made easy to reach. |
| 76:15 | وَيُطَافُ عَلَيْهِم بِآنِيَةٍۢ مِّن فِضَّةٍۢ وَأَكْوَابٍۢ كَانَتْ قَوَارِيرَا۠ | Wa-yuṭāfu ‘alayhim bi-āniyatin min fiḍḍatin wa-akwābin kānat qawārīrā | And there will be circulated among them vessels of silver and cups having been [created] clear [as glass], | And they will be served with vessels of silver and goblets that are clear as glass, |
| 76:16 | قَوَارِيرَا۟ مِن فِضَّةٍۢ قَدَّرُوهَا تَقْدِيرًۭا | Qawārīra min fiḍḍatin qaddarūhā taqdīrā | Clear glasses [made] from silver of which they have determined the measure. | Glasses made of silver, which they have measured precisely. |
| 76:17 | وَيُسْقَوْنَ فِيهَا كَأْسًۭا كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا زَنجَبِيلًا | Wa-yusqawna fīhā ka’san kāna mizājuhā zanjabīlā | And they will be given to drink a cup whose mixture is of ginger | And they will be given to drink a cup whose mixture is of ginger. |
| 76:18 | عَيْنًۭا فِيهَا تُسَمَّىٰ سَلْسَبِيلًا | ‘Aynan fīhā tusammā Salsabīlā | From a fountain within Paradise named Salsabeel. | From a spring therein called Salsabeel. |
| 76:19 | وَيَطُوفُ عَلَيْهِمْ وِلْدَٰنٌۭ مُّخَلَّدُونَ ۖ إِذَا رَأَيْتَهُمْ حَسِبْتَهُمْ لُؤْلُؤًۭا مَّنثُورًۭا | Wa-yaṭūfu ‘alayhim wildānun mukhalladūna idhā ra’aytahum ḥasabtahum lu’lu’an manthūrā | There will circulate among them [servant] boys [especially] for them, as if they were pearls well-protected. | And young boys will circulate among them, as if they were scattered pearls. |
| 76:20 | وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ ثَمَّ رَأَيْتَ نَعِيمًۭا وَمُلْكًۭا كَبِيرًا | Wa-idhā ra’ayta thamma ra’ayta na‘īman wa-mulkan kabīrā | And when you look there [in Paradise], you will see pleasure and great dominion. | And when you look there, you will see pleasure and vast dominion. |
| 76:21 | عَٰلِيَهُمْ ثِيَابُ سُندُسٍۢ خُضْرٌۭ وَإِسْتَبْرَقٌۭ ۖ وَحُلُّوٓا۟ أَسَاوِرَ مِن فِضَّةٍۢ وَسَقَىٰهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ شَرَابًۭا طَهُورًا | ‘Āliyaḥum thiyābu sundusin khuḍrun wa-istabraqun wa-ḥullū asāwira min fiḍḍatin wa-saqāhum rabbuhum sharāban ṭahūrā | Upon them are garments of fine silk and green brocade. And they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink. | Upon them will be garments of fine green silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with silver bracelets, and their Lord will give them a pure drink. |
| 76:22 | إِنَّ هَـٰذَا كَانَ لَكُمْ جَزَآءًۭ وَكَانَ سَعْيُكُم مَّشْكُورًا | Innā hādhā kāna lakum jazā’an wa-kāna sa‘yukum mashkūrā | [And it will be said], “Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.” | [And it will be said], “Indeed, this is your reward, and your effort has been appreciated.” |
Commentary
Verses 1-2: “Has there [not] come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing [even] mentioned? Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may test him; and We made him hearing and seeing.”
These verses invite reflection on the humble origins of humanity. Before we were formed, there was a time when we were not even mentioned, a state of non-existence. From a simple drop of mixed fluid, God created human beings, endowed them with faculties such as hearing and sight, and set before them the test of life. This highlights the transformation from nothingness to a being capable of experiencing and perceiving the world, emphasizing our dependence on God’s creative power.
Verse 3: “Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.”
God provides guidance to every human being, showing the path of righteousness. However, the response to this guidance is left to individual free will—some choose gratitude and faith, while others opt for ingratitude and rejection. This verse underlines the moral responsibility of human beings to recognize and follow the guidance given to them, but it also acknowledges the reality of free will.
Note: The duality of being “grateful or ungrateful” speaks to the fundamental choice each person must make. In a world full of distractions, this verse serves as a reminder that our spiritual success depends on our response to divine guidance. Gratitude here is not just an emotion but a way of life, a commitment to align oneself with the path shown by God.
Verse 4: “Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blaze.”
This verse warns of the severe consequences that await those who reject faith and divine guidance. The imagery of chains, shackles, and fire evokes a sense of entrapment and suffering, symbolizing the spiritual bondage and torment that results from disbelief. It serves as a stark reminder that rejecting God’s path leads to self-destruction, both in this life and the hereafter.
Note: The metaphorical language used here reflects the spiritual reality of those who turn away from the truth. Chains and shackles represent the self-imposed limitations and sufferings of those who live without faith. The “blaze” is not only a physical torment but also a representation of the inner turmoil and regret experienced by those who deny their Creator.
Verses 5-6: “Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup whose mixture is of Kafur, A spring from which the servants of Allah will drink; they will make it gush forth in force.”
In contrast to the fate of the disbelievers, the righteous are promised a reward that is pure and refreshing. The “cup” of Kafur, a fragrant and cooling substance, symbolizes the spiritual purity and delight that awaits them. The spring from which they drink represents an abundant source of divine grace and satisfaction, a reward for their steadfastness and faithfulness.
Note: The imagery of the cup and the spring emphasizes the spiritual nourishment and fulfillment that comes from a life of righteousness. The righteous are not merely rewarded with physical pleasures but with a deep, soul-satisfying connection to the divine, which is endlessly abundant and ever-refreshing.
Verses 7-9: “They fulfill [their] vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread. And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], ‘We feed you only for the face of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'”
These verses describe the characteristics of the righteous: they are true to their promises and live with a conscious awareness of the Day of Judgment. Their acts of charity are motivated purely by their desire to please God, without any expectation of worldly recognition or reward. This selfless giving is an embodiment of true faith, where the well-being of others is prioritized over personal desires.
Note: The act of feeding the needy, orphans, and captives despite loving the food themselves reflects the profound level of selflessness that is encouraged in Islam as by all the Abrahamic Religions. It teaches that true charity is not just about giving from excess but about sacrificing what one loves for the sake of others, purely out of devotion to God.
Verses 10-11: “Indeed, we fear from our Lord a Day austere and distressful. So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day and give them radiance and happiness.”
The fear of the Day of Judgment is a powerful motivator for the righteous, driving them to live a life of piety and righteousness. Because of their sincere fear and their righteous deeds, God promises to protect them from the terrors of that Day, granting them joy and radiance instead of sorrow. This protection is a manifestation of divine mercy and grace, a reward for their steadfastness.
Note: The contrast between the fear of the Day of Judgment and the ultimate reward of radiance and happiness underscores the transformative power of faith. It is not fear itself that defines the righteous but their response to it—living a life of righteousness that earns them divine protection and eternal bliss.
Verses 12-14: “And will reward them for what they patiently endured [with] a garden [in Paradise] and silk [garments]. Reclining therein on adorned couches. They will not see therein any [burning] sun or [freezing] cold. And near above them are its shades, and its [fruit] to be picked will be lowered in compliance.”
The reward for patience and perseverance in faith is a paradise of unimaginable comfort and luxury. The righteous will be granted a garden with silk garments, symbolizing both physical and spiritual purity. The absence of harsh elements like the burning sun or freezing cold represents the perfect balance and tranquility of paradise. The ease with which the fruits are available reflects the effortless enjoyment of divine blessings in the hereafter.
Note: The detailed description of paradise serves to inspire and motivate believers to endure the trials of this life with patience. The promise of comfort, ease, and abundance in the hereafter is a powerful reminder that the struggles of this world are temporary, and the rewards of faith are eternal.
Verses 15-16: “And there will be circulated among them vessels of silver and cups having been [created] clear [as glass], Clear glasses [made] from silver of which they have determined the measure.”
The righteous in paradise will be served with vessels and cups made of silver, clear as glass, symbolizing purity and perfection. The precision with which these cups are measured reflects the meticulous care with which God rewards His faithful servants. Everything in paradise is crafted to perfection, tailored to the desires and needs of its inhabitants.
Note: The use of silver, clear as glass, represents both the material and spiritual purity that defines paradise. It emphasizes that the rewards in the hereafter are not only abundant but also of the highest quality, designed to bring joy and satisfaction to the righteous.
Verses 17-18: “And they will be given to drink a cup whose mixture is of ginger, From a fountain within Paradise named Salsabeel.”
The drink served to the righteous is a special mixture infused with ginger, a spice that adds warmth and flavor, symbolizing the richness and delight of the rewards in paradise. The fountain of Salsabeel, from which this drink originates, is a source of eternal refreshment and pleasure, reinforcing the idea that paradise is a place of both physical and spiritual delight.
Note: The mention of ginger and the fountain of Salsabeel highlights the sensory pleasures of paradise, where every sense is catered to with the finest and most delightful experiences. It serves as a reminder that the rewards of faith are not only spiritual but also tangible and enjoyable.
Verses 19-21: “There will circulate among them [servant] boys [especially] for them, as if they were pearls well-protected. And when you look there [in Paradise], you will see pleasure and great dominion. Upon them are garments of fine silk and green brocade. And they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.”
These verses depict the service and care the righteous will receive in paradise. The servant boys, described as pearls, symbolize the purity and beauty of the environment. The garments of fine silk and brocade, along with silver bracelets, reflect the luxury and honor bestowed upon the inhabitants of paradise. The pure drink from the Lord symbolizes spiritual fulfillment and divine pleasure.
Note: The imagery of paradise as a place of beauty, luxury, and service reflects the idea that those who serve God in this life will be served in the hereafter. The “pure drink” represents the ultimate satisfaction and contentment that comes from the direct pleasure of God.
Verse 22: “[And it will be said], ‘Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.'”
The final verse of this passage is a divine acknowledgment of the efforts of the righteous. God affirms that their reward is a direct result of their sincere efforts and patience. This verse serves as a reminder that no good deed goes unnoticed, and every effort made for the sake of God is appreciated and rewarded.
Note: The assurance that one’s efforts are appreciated by God is a source of immense comfort and motivation for believers. It reminds us that even when our actions go unrecognized in this world, they are always seen and valued by God, who is the ultimate Judge and Rewarder.
Concluding Thoughts
The Surah Al-Insān offers a profound meditation on the nature of human existence, the trials of life and the rewards of faith. It reminds us of our humble beginnings and the trials that shape our spiritual path. The contrast between the fate of the righteous and the unbelieving is a powerful reminder of the choices we make and the paths we follow.
In today’s world, where the distractions of materialism and the challenges of life can often lead us astray, Al-Insān’s messages are more relevant than ever. They invite us to recognize the guidance provided by God and strive to live a life of righteousness and gratitude. The vivid descriptions of paradise serve as both inspiration and motivation to endure the trials of this world with patience, knowing that the ultimate reward is eternal and beyond imagination.