Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of The Glorious Koran. An Explanatory Translation (1930)

SÛRAH XCVI

Al-‘Alaq takes its name from ,a word in verse 2. Verses 1–5 are the words which the Prophet received in the vision at Ḥirâ, therefore the first of the Koran to be revealed.

A very early Meccan Sûrah.

The Clot

1. Read: In the name of thy Lord who createth,

2. Createth man from a clot.

3. Read: And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous,

4. Who teacheth by the pen,

5. Teacheth man that which he knew not.

6. Nay, but verily man is rebellious

7. That he thinketh himself independent!

8. Lo! unto thy Lord is the return.

9. Hast thou seen him who dissuadeth

10. A slave when he prayeth?

11. Hast thou seen if he (relieth) on the guidance (of Allah)

12. Or enjoineth piety?

13. Hast thou seen if he denieth (Allah’s guidance) and is froward?

14. Is he then unaware that Allah seeth?

15. Nay, but if he cease not We will seize him by the forelock —