Al-'Alaq

Recite in the name of your Lord who created

Created man from a clinging substance.

Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -

Who taught by the pen

Taught man that which he knew not.

No! [But] indeed, man transgresses

Because he sees himself self-sufficient.

Indeed, to your Lord is the return.

Have you seen the one who forbids

A servant when he prays?

Have you seen if he is upon guidance

Or enjoins righteousness?

Have you seen if he denies and turns away -

Does he not know that Allāh sees?

No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock1

A lying, sinning forelock.

Then let him call his associates;

We will call the angels of Hell.1

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