Qur’an 76 Verses 1–31 Surah Al-Insan, Translation and Lessons for SS 1

Study of the Qur’an 76: 1-31 (Sūrat al-Insān)

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. recite Sūrat al-Insān (chapter 76:1-2);
2. memorize Sūrat al-Insān;
3. translate Sūrat al-Insān into English;
4. discuss lessons that can be derived from Sūrat al-Insan.

Memory Verse

The central message of Sūrat al-Insān reminds humanity of its origin and purpose. A key verse that encapsulates this theme is:

إِنَّا هَدَيْنَاهُ السَّبِيلَ إِمَّا شَاكِرًا وَإِمَّا كَفُورًا

Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or ungrateful. (Qur’an 76:3)

Qur’an Reading

For a complete understanding of the themes and lessons in this unit, the following verses should be read:

1. Sūrat al-Insān (Chapter 76), verses 1-31

Introduction to Sūrat al-Insān

Sūrat al-Insān, also known as Sūrat ad-Dahr, is the 76th chapter of the Qur’an. The name “Al-Insān” means “Man” or “Human Being,” reflecting the surah’s focus on the creation, purpose, and destiny of humanity. This surah was revealed in Makkah and consists of 31 verses. It addresses fundamental questions about human existence, accountability, and the rewards and punishments in the Hereafter.

The surah begins by reminding humanity of its humble origins, from a mere drop of fluid, and then highlights the divine guidance provided to choose between gratitude and ingratitude. It describes the characteristics of the righteous (Al-Abrār) and the bountiful rewards awaiting them in Paradise, contrasting this with the fate of the disbelievers. The surah concludes by reaffirming Allah’s absolute power and wisdom, and the importance of remembering Him and seeking His pleasure.

Arabic Text of Sūrat al-Insān (Chapter 76)

The complete Arabic text of Sūrat al-Insān is provided below for recitation, memorisation, and reading practice:

1. بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
2. هَلْ أَتَىٰ عَلَى الْإِنسَانِ حِينٌ مِّنَ الدَّهْرِ لَمْ يَكُن شَيْئًا مَّذْكُورًا
3. إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ نَّبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا
4. إِنَّا هَدَيْنَاهُ السَّبِيلَ إِمَّا شَاكِرًا وَإِمَّا كَفُورًا
5. إِنَّا أَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ سَلَاسِلَ وَأَغْلَالًا وَسَعِيرًا
6. إِنَّ الْأَبْرَارَ يَشْرَبُونَ مِن كَأْسٍ كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا كَافُورًا
7. عَيْنًا يَشْرَبُ بِهَا عِبَادُ اللَّهِ يُفَجِّرُونَهَا تَفْجِيرًا
8. يُوفُونَ بِالنَّذْرِ وَيَخَافُونَ يَوْمًا كَانَ شَرُّهُ مُسْتَطِيرًا
9. وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا
10. إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا
11. إِنَّا نَخَافُ مِن رَّبِّنَا يَوْمًا عَبُوسًا قَمْطَرِيرًا
12. فَوَقَاهُمُ اللَّهُ شَرَّ ذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمِ وَلَقَّاهُمْ نَضْرَةً وَسُرُورًا
13. وَجَزَاهُم بِمَا صَبَرُوا جَنَّةً وَحَرِيرًا
14. مُّتَّكِئِينَ فِيهَا عَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ ۖ لَا يَرَوْنَ فِيهَا شَمْسًا وَلَا زَمْهَرِيرًا
15. وَدَانِيَةً عَلَيْهِمْ ظِلَالُهَا وَذُلِّلَتْ قُطُوفُهَا تَذْلِيلًا
16. وَيُطَافُ عَلَيْهِم بِآنِيَةٍ مِّن فِضَّةٍ وَأَكْوَابٍ كَانَتْ قَوَارِيرَا
17. قَوَارِيرَ مِن فِضَّةٍ قَدَّرُوهَا تَقْدِيرًا
18. وَيُسْقَوْنَ فِيهَا كَأْسًا كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا زَنجَبِيلًا
19. عَيْنًا فِيهَا تُسَمَّىٰ سَلْسَبِيلًا
20. وَيَطُوفُ عَلَيْهِمْ وِلْدَانٌ مُّخَلَّدُونَ إِذَا رَأَيْتَهُمْ حَسِبْتَهُمْ لُؤْلُؤًا مَّنثُورًا
21. وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ ثَمَّ رَأَيْتَ نَعِيمًا وَمُلْكًا كَبِيرًا
22. عَالِيَهُمْ ثِيَابُ سُندُسٍ خُضْرٌ وَإِسْتَبْرَقٌ ۖ وَحُلُّوا أَسَاوِرَ مِن فِضَّةٍ وَسَقَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ شَرَابًا طَهُورًا
23. إِنَّ هَٰذَا كَانَ لَكُمْ جَزَاءً وَكَانَ سَعْيُكُم مَّشْكُورًا
24. إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ تَنزِيلًا
25. فَاصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ وَلَا تُطِعْ مِنْهُمْ آثِمًا أَوْ كَفُورًا
26. وَاذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا
27. وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَاسْجُدْ لَهُ وَسَبِّحْهُ لَيْلًا طَوِيلًا
28. إِنَّ هَٰؤُلَاءِ يُحِبُّونَ الْعَاجِلَةَ وَيَذَرُونَ وَرَاءَهُمْ يَوْمًا ثَقِيلًا
29. نَّحْنُ خَلَقْنَاهُمْ وَشَدَدْنَا أَسْرَهُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا شِئْنَا بَدَّلْنَا أَمْثَالَهُمْ تَبْدِيلًا
30. إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ تَذْكِرَةٌ ۖ فَمَن شَاءَ اتَّخَذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِ سَبِيلًا
31. وَمَا تَشَاءُونَ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا
32. يُدْخِلُ مَن يَشَاءُ فِي رَحْمَتِهِ ۚ وَالظَّالِمِينَ أَعَدَّ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا

English Translation of Sūrat al-Insān (Chapter 76)

The English translation of Sūrat al-Insān helps in understanding its profound meanings and messages:

1. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
2. Has there not come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing remembered?
3. Indeed, We created man from a mixed sperm-drop to test him; and We made him hearing and seeing.
4. Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or ungrateful.
5. Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blazing Fire.
6. Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup whose mixture is of camphor,
7. A spring from which the servants of Allah will drink, making it gush forth in abundance.
8. They fulfil vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread.
9. And they give food, in spite of their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive,
10. [Saying], “We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.
11. Indeed, We fear from our Lord a Day, frowning and distressful.”
12. So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day and grant them radiance and joy.
13. And will reward them for what they patiently endured, with a Garden [of Paradise] and silk [garments].
14. [They will be] reclining therein on adorned couches. They will not see therein [excessive] sun or [intense] cold.
15. And near them will be its shades, and its fruits will be lowered in submission.
16. And there will be circulated among them vessels of silver and cups of crystal,
17. Crystal-clear from silver, which they have determined with [precise] estimation.
18. And they will be given to drink a cup [of wine] whose mixture is of ginger,
19. [From] a spring within Paradise named Salsabīl.
20. And there will circulate among them young boys made eternal. When you see them, you would think them [scattered] pearls.
21. And when you look there [in Paradise], you will see bliss and a great kingdom.
22. Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and brocade. And they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a purifying drink.
23. [And it will be said], “Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.”
24. Indeed, We, We have sent down to you the Qur’an in stages.
25. So be patient for the decision of your Lord and do not obey from among them a sinner or an ungrateful [disbeliever].
26. And remember the name of your Lord morning and evening.
27. And from [part of] the night, prostrate to Him and exalt Him during a long [part of the] night.
28. Indeed, these [disbelievers] love the immediate [worldly life] and leave behind them a heavy Day.
29. We created them and strengthened their form; and when We will, We can substitute in their place others like them, an [easy] substitution.
30. Indeed, this is a reminder; so whoever wills may take to his Lord a way.
31. And you do not will except that Allah wills. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
32. He admits whom He wills into His mercy; but the wrongdoers – He has prepared for them a painful punishment.

Derivable Lessons from Sūrat al-Insān

Sūrat al-Insān offers profound lessons for human beings, guiding them towards a meaningful life and a successful Hereafter. These lessons include:

1. Human Origin and Purpose

The surah reminds humanity of its humble beginning from a “mixed sperm-drop” (Qur’an 76:2-3). This serves as a powerful reminder of Allah’s creative power and the insignificance of human beings without His grace. It teaches that humans were created to be tested, and were given the faculties of hearing and sight to understand and observe the signs of Allah. This origin should foster humility and gratitude.

2. Divine Guidance and Free Will

Allah has guided humanity to the “way” (Qur’an 76:3), meaning the path of truth and righteousness. Humans are given the free will to choose between being “grateful” (shākir) or “ungrateful” (kafūr). This highlights the concept of accountability and the importance of making conscious choices in life that align with divine guidance.

3. Characteristics of the Righteous (Al-Abrār)

The surah beautifully describes the qualities of the righteous, who are promised Paradise. These characteristics include:

1. Fulfilling Vows: They are true to their promises and commitments (Qur’an 76:7).
2. Fearing the Day of Judgment: They are mindful of the severe Day of Judgment and strive to prepare for it (Qur’an 76:7).
3. Feeding the Needy: They give food to the poor, orphans, and captives, even when they themselves desire it (Qur’an 76:8). This act of charity is done purely for the sake of Allah, without expecting any reward or gratitude from people (Qur’an 76:9).
4. Patience and Endurance: They endure hardships and challenges with patience, for which they are greatly rewarded (Qur’an 76:11).

4. Rewards of Paradise

The surah provides a detailed and vivid description of the delights of Paradise awaiting the righteous. These rewards include:

1. Pure Drinks: They will drink from cups mixed with camphor and ginger, from springs named Kāfūr and Salsabīl (Qur’an 76:5-6, 17-18).
2. Comfortable Abode: They will recline on adorned couches, experiencing neither excessive heat nor intense cold (Qur’an 76:12-13).
3. Abundant Fruits and Shades: The shades of Paradise will be close, and its fruits will be easily accessible (Qur’an 76:13-14).
4. Silver Vessels and Crystal Cups: They will be served in beautiful vessels of silver and cups of crystal (Qur’an 76:15-16).
5. Eternal Servants: Young boys, made eternal, will circulate among them, appearing like scattered pearls (Qur’an 76:19).
6. Fine Garments and Adornments: They will wear green garments of fine silk and brocade, adorned with silver bracelets (Qur’an 76:20).
7. Purifying Drink: Their Lord will give them a purifying drink (Qur’an 76:21).

These descriptions serve as motivation for believers to strive for righteousness and good deeds.

5. Consequences for Disbelievers

In contrast to the rewards of the righteous, the surah mentions the painful punishment awaiting the disbelievers. They will face “chains and shackles and a blazing Fire” (Qur’an 76:4). This serves as a warning against ingratitude and disobedience to Allah.

6. Patience and Remembrance of Allah

The surah instructs Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be patient with the decree of his Lord and not to obey sinners or ungrateful individuals (Qur’an 76:23). It also emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah’s name morning and evening, and prostrating to Him and exalting Him during the night (Qur’an 76:24-26). These verses highlight the significance of steadfastness in faith and constant devotion.

7. The Reality of the Hereafter

The surah criticises those who love the immediate worldly life and neglect the “heavy Day” (Qur’an 76:27) of Judgment. It reminds humanity that this life is temporary and the Hereafter is eternal, urging them to prepare for it.

8. Allah’s Power and Wisdom

Allah reminds humanity of His power as their Creator and His ability to replace them with others if He wills (Qur’an 76:28). This reinforces His absolute sovereignty and wisdom. The surah concludes by stating that this is a reminder, and whoever wills may take a path to their Lord, but their will is ultimately subject to Allah’s will, for He is All-Knowing and All-Wise (Qur’an 76:29-31).

Skills Development: Recitation, Memorisation, Reading and Writing Arabic Texts

To fully benefit from Sūrat al-Insān, learners should engage in practical skills development:

1. Reciting Sūrat al-Insān

Recitation involves pronouncing the Arabic words correctly with proper tajwīd (rules of recitation). Regular practice helps in fluent and accurate reading. Learners should listen to audio recitations by qualified reciters and imitate their pronunciation. Pay attention to the elongation of vowels, the points of articulation for each letter, and the rules of stopping and starting.

2. Memorising Sūrat al-Insān

Memorisation is a key skill in Islamic studies. It involves committing the verses to memory. A common method is to memorise a few verses at a time, repeating them frequently until they are firmly established. Reciting the verses during daily prayers can also aid memorisation. Understanding the meaning of the verses can make memorisation easier and more meaningful.

3. Reading and Writing of Arabic Texts

Developing the ability to read and write Arabic texts is crucial for understanding the Qur’an directly. This involves:

1. Reading Practice: Regularly read the Arabic text of Sūrat al-Insān. Focus on recognising the letters, vowels (harakāt), and other diacritical marks. Practice reading aloud to improve fluency.
2. Writing Practice: Practice writing the verses of Sūrat al-Insān. This helps in familiarising oneself with the Arabic script and improves retention. Start by tracing the letters and then gradually write independently. Pay attention to the correct formation of letters and their connections.