READ IN the name of your Lord who created ―
created Man from clots of blood
Read! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One
who by the pen taught
Man what he did not know
No! Man transgresse
in thinking himself his own master:²
for to your Lord shall all return
Consider the man who rebuke
Our servant when he prays
Consider: does he follow the right guidanc
or enjoin true piety
Do but consider: if he denies the Truth and pays no heed
does he not realize that God sees all
No! Let him desist, or We will drag him by the forelock
his lying, sinful forelock
Then let him call his helpmates
We will call the guards of Hell
No, never obey him! Prostrate yourself and come nearer