Sūrah al-Dahr

Has there also passed over man a period of time when he was a thing not worthy of mention? In reality, We have created man from a drop of mingled fluid. We continued to turn it about until We made him capable of hearing and seeing. We showed him the good and the evil path. It is now up to him to be grateful or profess disbelief.

[The consequence of this is that] We have prepared for the disbelievers chains, yokes and a blazing fire. On the other hand, Our loyal people will drink cups of wine flavoured with camphor. This is a spring [sitting by] which these servants of God will drink and will be able to take out its channels [wherever they want] with ease. They used to fulfil their vows and remained fearful of the day whose horror will spread far and wide; they used to feed the poor, the orphan and the captive even though they themselves were in need of it. They fed them with the intention: “We are feeding you for the sake of God only. No reward do we desire from you nor expect gratitude. We dread from our Lord that day which will be extremely grim and very distressful.” So, God saved them from the affliction of that day and bestowed them with freshness and joy, and as reward for being patient gave them a garden [to live in] and robes of silk [to wear]. They will be reclining in it on thrones. Neither will they see the heat of the sun nor the cold of the winters. The shades of its trees will bow down over them and the clusters of their fruits will be within their easy reach. Dishes of silver [to eat from] and goblets of crystal [to drink from] will be circulating in front of them – the crystal will be of silver too which their attendants have aptly arranged [for every service].

And [not only this,] they will be given to drink there cups of wine flavoured with the water of Zanjabīl. This also is a spring in Paradise called Salsabīl. Boys graced with eternal youth will be running around to serve them. When you see them, you will think that they are pearls scattered about. And wherever you look you will see great bliss and a kingdom glorious such that even their over-garments will be of green sundus and istabraq. They have been adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord Himself has given them pure wine to drink [in His presence]. Surely, this is a reward for you of your deeds and [congratulations to you that] your endeavours have been acknowledged.

[Do not care about them, O Prophet!] We alone have revealed this Qur’ān to you and have done so in a profound manner. So, with perseverance wait for the judgement of your Lord, and pay no heed to any sinner or ingrate among them. [We shall deal with them.] And remember the name of your Lord from dawn to dusk, and prostrate yourself before Him in the night also and glorify Him for a greater part of the night.

[They are not submitting because] they only love what can be acquired immediately and are ignoring a heavy day ahead. [Truly,] We alone created them and strengthened their joints and [truly] whenever We intend, We shall replace them in exactly the same form they are in. [Leave them alone if they do not submit.] These revelations are only a reminder. So, whoever desires, he should take the path leading to his Lord. And you do not intend until God so intends [according to His law]. Indeed, God is All-Knowing and Wise. He admits into His mercy whomsoever He wishes [on the basis of this knowledge and wisdom]. And for these wrongdoers, He has prepared a grievous punishment.¹