✦ AT A GLANCE ✦
الانسان
Al-Insan
✦ Why this name
Man — al-Insan, from the opening question about a time when a human being was not a thing worth mentioning. Also called ad-Dahr, "Time".
✦ When it came
Madinan by most reports. The Prophet ﷺ recited it with Surat as-Sajdah at Fajr on Fridays.
✦ The story
It begins by putting you in your place kindly: *"Has there not come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing even mentioned?"*
Then it describes people who give food *despite loving it* to the needy, the orphan, and the captive — and says something to them that they never said out loud: *"We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude."* The Quran reporting the intention, not the speech.
For that, they are given a day of brightness and joy, silk, shade, and cups of a drink flavoured with ginger and camphor, served by youths *like scattered pearls.*
And it closes by telling the Prophet ﷺ to be patient, and not to obey the sinful or ungrateful among them.
✦ How it unfolds
- AYAH 1-3
Not worth mentioning
Human origin, hearing and sight given, and the path shown — grateful or ungrateful.
- AYAH 5-12
They give despite loving it
Food given to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, with no reward wanted.
- AYAH 13-22
Reclining in shade
The reward described in detail — silk, springs, and servers like scattered pearls.
- AYAH 23-31
Be patient
Remembrance morning and evening, prostration at night, and patience with what people say.