Al Alaq

1 Recite in the name of your Lord who created -

1 Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created -

2 Created man from a clinging substance.

2 Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood:

3 Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -

3 Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, -

4 Who taught by the pen -

4 He Who taught (the use of) the pen, -

5 Taught man that which he knew not.

5 Taught man that which he knew not.

6 No! [But] indeed, man transgresses

6 Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds,

7 Because he sees himself self - sufficient.

7 In that he looketh upon himself as self - sufficient.

8 Indeed, to your Lord is the return.

8 Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all).

9 Have you seen the one who forbids

9 Seest thou one who forbids -

10 A servant when he prays?

10 A votary when he (turns) to pray?

11 Have you seen if he is upon guidance

11 Seest thou if he is on (the road of) Guidance? -

12 Or enjoins righteousness?

12 Or enjoins Righteousness?

13 Have you seen if he denies and turns away -

13 Seest thou if he denies (Truth) and turns away?

14 Does he not know that Allah sees?

14 Knoweth he not that Allah doth see?

15 No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock -

15 Let him beware! If he desist not, We will drag him by the forelock, -

16 A lying, sinning forelock.

16 A lying, sinful forelock!

17 Then let him call his associates;

17 Then, let him call (for help) to his council (of comrades):

18 We will call the angels of Hell.

18 We will call on the angels of punishment (to deal with him)!

19 No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near [to Allah].

19 Nay, heed him not: But bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer (to Allah)!