96. al-`Alaq: The Clot

The Meaning of the Glorious Qur'ân, by M.M. Pickthall, at sacred-texts.com

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 - 16 The lying, sinful forelock - 17 Then let him call upon his henchmen! 18 We will call the guards of hell. 19 Nay, Obey not thou him. But prostrate thyself, and draw near (unto Allah).