Uncover the timeless wisdom of Surah Al-Insan (The Human) – a profound chapter on gratitude, righteousness, and eternal reward. Explore its spiritual guidance, moral lessons, and inspiring vision of Paradise for those who live with faith and compassion.
Surah 76: Al-Insan (The Human)
Al-Insan: Introduction
Surah Al-Insan, also known as Ad-Dahr (Time), is the seventy-sixth chapter of the Holy Quran and was revealed in Madinah. It contains thirty-one verses and focuses on the creation of man, the test of life, the consequences of gratitude and ingratitude, and the eternal reward for the righteous. The Surah opens by reminding humans of their humble beginning—there was a time when they were nothing worth mentioning—before Allah created them from a mixed drop of fluid and endowed them with hearing and sight. From the outset, the chapter emphasizes that life is a test, and Allah has shown humanity the way, leaving them free to choose between gratitude and disbelief. A vivid description of the blissful life awaiting the righteous follows, highlighting their acts of compassion, such as feeding the needy, orphans, and captives purely for Allah’s sake. The Surah portrays Paradise in breathtaking imagery—cool shade, fine silk garments, silver vessels, fragrant drinks, and eternal youth—contrasting it with the fate of the disbelievers: chains, shackles, and blazing fire. It concludes by urging patience, constant remembrance of Allah, and devotion, while affirming that ultimate guidance rests with Allah alone. 0 0 0
Surah Al-Insan (The Human): Text
1. Has there not come upon man a period of time when he was nothing to be mentioned?
2. Indeed, We created man from a drop of mixed fluid, to test him, and We made him hearing and seeing.
3. Surely, We guided him to the way, whether he is grateful or ungrateful.
4. Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains, shackles, and a blazing Fire.
5. Surely, the righteous will drink from a cup whose mixture is of camphor,
6. A spring from which the servants of Allah will drink, causing it to gush forth abundantly.
7. They fulfill vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread,
8. And they give food, out of love for Him, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive,
9. [Saying], “We feed you only for the sake of Allah; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks.
10. Indeed, we fear from our Lord a Day of frowning and severe distress.”
11. So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day, and will grant them radiance and joy,
12. And will reward them for their patience with a Garden and garments of silk,
13. Reclining therein on couches, they will see neither scorching heat nor bitter cold,
14. And the shades will be close over them, and its clusters of fruit will hang low,
15. And vessels of silver and cups as clear as crystal will be passed around among them,
16. Crystal-clear, made of silver, perfectly measured,
17. And they will be given to drink from a cup whose mixture is of ginger,
18. From a spring therein called Salsabeel.
19. And immortal youths will circulate among them; when you see them, you would think them scattered pearls,
20. And when you look there, you will see bliss and a great kingdom.
21. They will wear garments of fine green silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.
22. [It will be said], “Indeed, this is your reward, and your effort has been appreciated.”
23. Indeed, it is We who have sent down to you the Quran in stages.
24. So be patient for the decision of your Lord, and do not obey from among them any sinner or disbeliever.
25. And remember the name of your Lord morning and evening,
26. And in part of the night prostrate to Him, and glorify Him long into the night.
27. Indeed, these people love the fleeting life and leave behind a heavy Day.
28. It is We who created them and strengthened their frame, and when We will, We can replace them entirely with others like them.
29. Indeed, this is a reminder; so whoever wills may take a way to his Lord.
30. But you will not will unless Allah wills. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
31. He admits whom He wills into His mercy; but as for the wrongdoers, He has prepared for them a painful punishment. 0 0 0
Al-Insan: Comment
Surah Al-Insan is a powerful reminder of both the origin and the destiny of human beings. Its opening strips away pride by recalling that mankind was once nothing at all, yet Allah honored them with life, intellect, and choice. The chapter makes clear that the purpose of these blessings is to test how people respond—whether they will live in gratitude and obedience or in arrogance and denial. A central lesson of this Surah is the purity of intention in good deeds; the righteous are portrayed as giving selflessly, not for recognition or repayment, but purely for Allah’s pleasure. Their humility is met with unimaginable honor in Paradise, where they are comforted, adorned, and personally served in an atmosphere of peace and beauty. The Surah also addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directly, calling for patience and perseverance in the face of opposition, and warning against following sinful or disbelieving influences. It ends with a decisive theological truth: human will operates only under the will of Allah, and He alone decides who receives mercy and who faces punishment. The balance of hope and warning in this chapter makes it a timeless guide for living a life worthy of eternal reward. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Al-Insan
Q1. What is Surah Al-Insan about?
Surah Al-Insan (The Human) is about the creation of mankind, the test of life, the reward for the righteous, and the punishment for the ungrateful.
Q2. Why is Surah Al-Insan called “The Human”?
It is called “The Human” because it reflects on the origin of humanity, created from a drop of fluid, and emphasizes the purpose of human life as a test.
Q3. Which chapter of the Quran is Surah Al-Insan?
Surah Al-Insan is the 76th chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Madinah, focusing on gratitude, charity, and the eternal reward of Paradise.
Q4. What is the main lesson of Surah Al-Insan?
The main lesson of Surah Al-Insan is that humans are tested in this world, and those who remain faithful, patient, and charitable will be rewarded with everlasting bliss.
Q5. How many verses are there in Surah Al-Insan?
Surah Al-Insan contains 31 verses, offering both warnings to the ungrateful and promises of eternal blessings to the righteous.
Q6. What is the significance of Surah Al-Insan in Islam?
Surah Al-Insan is significant because it highlights the values of generosity, patience, and faith while portraying a vivid description of Paradise for the believers.
Q7. How does Surah Al-Insan guide believers today?
Surah Al-Insan guides believers today by teaching them to show gratitude to Allah, care for the needy, live with patience, and aspire for eternal success in the Hereafter.
