Ali Quli Qarai, The Qur’ān with a Phrase-by-Phrase English Translation (2005)
1 Has there been for man a period of time
when he was not anything worthy of mention?
2 Indeed We created man
from the drop of a mixed fluid 1
so that We may test him.
So We made him endowed with hearing and sight.
3 Indeed We have guided him to the way,
be he grateful or ungrateful.
4 Indeed We have prepared for the faithless
chains, iron collars, and a blaze.
5 Indeed the pious will drink from a cup
seasoned with Kāfūr,2
6 a spring where the servants of Allah drink,
which they make to gush forth as they please.
7 They fulfill their vows
and fear a day
whose ill will be widespread.
8 They give food, for the love of Him,
to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner,
9 [saying,] ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah.
We do not want any reward from you
nor any thanks.
10 Indeed we fear from our Lord a day,
frowning and fateful.’
11 So Allah saved them from the ills of that day,
and granted them freshness and joy.
12 And He rewarded them for their patience
with a garden and [garments of] silk,
1 That is, from the mixing of sperm and ovum.
2 Lit., camphor.
