Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Insan

English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Insan

Name of the Surah 

This surah is called al-Insan, a human being, because it begins with referring to the creation of man though he was nothing, and then he becomes a successor on earth, and Allah, Exalted be He, created all that is on earth for him. 

Some scholars believe that surah al-Insan was revealed in Makkah, while others maintain that it was revealed in Al-Madinah. Imam Ibn Kathir mentions that it was revealed in Makkah.  Reflecting on the surah, one notices that its style and theme are similar to that of the surahs that were revealed in Makkah, which strengthens that opinion that it was revealed in Makkah. In addition, surah al-Insan frequently, speaks about the happy end of the believers and the evil end of the disbelievers, which is a characteristic of the surahs that were revealed in Makkah.

Surah Al-Insan contains thirty-one ayah. 

Relationship between Surah between Surah Al-Qiyamah and Surah Al-Insan

Allah, Exalted be He, mentions at the end of surah al-Qiyamah that the origin of man is a drop of sperm from which He created males and females. Then, He, Exalted be He, mentions at the beginning of surah al-Insan that He created the father of human beings, namely, Prophet Adam, made him able to hear and see, and made the path of guidance and misguidance clear to him whereby people are divided into grateful and ungrateful. 

Allah, Exalted be He, briefly refers to Paradise and Hell in surah al-Qiyamah. Then, He mentions a detailed description of them and elaborates on the description of Paradise in surah al-Insan. 

In surah al-Qiyamah, Allah mentions some of the horrors that the disbelievers will face on the Day of Judgment. In surah al-Insan, Allah mentions some of the enjoyments that the believers will have in Paradise.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Al-Insan 

The theme of surah al-Insan centers around things that will take place in the Hereafter, such as the enjoyment of the righteous in the dwelling of eternal bliss.

Surah al-Insan begins by speaking about the beginning of the creation of man and giving him the ability to hear and see, and showing him the paths of guidance and misguidance, which leads to dividing people into two parties, the grateful and the ungrateful. Then, it speaks about the recompense of the grateful and the ungrateful and the description of Paradise and Hell.

76:1 Has there come on man a while of time when he was a thing unremembered?

76:2 Verily, We created man from a drop of sperm, a mingling that We may test him, and We made him hearing, seeing. 

76:3 Verily, We guided him on the way to be either thankful or unthankful.

76:4 Verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blazing fire.

Then, surah al-Insan praises some of the deeds of the grateful, such as fulfilling their vows, feeding the needy for the sake of Allah, and fearing the punishment of Allah.

76:5 Surely, the pious shall drink from a cup whose mixture is camphor.

76:6 a spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah shall drink, making it gush forth abundantly.

76:8 And they give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

76:9 ‘We feed you only seeking the Countenance of Allah. We desire from you neither reward nor thanks.

76:10 Verily, we fear from our Lord a day, grim, horrible.’

Then, surah al-Insan mentions the description of the reward that Allah has prepared for the believers in Paradise.

76:12 And He has recompensed them for their patience with a Garden and silk,

76:13 reclining therein on couches; they shall see therein neither sun nor bitter cold.

76:14 And closely above them its shades shall be, and its fruits shall be made within their reach.

76:22 Surely this is a recompense for you and your striving is thanked.

Then, surah al-Insan mentions the origin of the revelation of the Quran, namely, Allah. Prophet Muhammad was commanded to practice beautiful patience in which there is no worry nor complaint and to pray the night prayer.

76:23 Verily, it is We Who have revealed the Quran to you, a successive revelation.

76:24 Thus, be patient with the judgment of your Lord and obey not one of them, a sinner or disbeliever.

76:25 And remember the Name of your Lord morning and evening.

76:26 And during the night, prostrate yourself before Him and glorify Him through the long night.

Then, surah al-Insan refers to the fact that people usually love the fleeing life of this world and ignore the lasting life of the Hereafter. They are warned that Allah will replace them with other people if they insist on disbelieving in the Oneness of Allah, Exalted be He.

76:27 Verily, these people love the present life and leave behind them a heavy day.

76:28 We created them and strengthened their constitution, and when We will, We shall replace them with their likes, a complete replacement. 

Finally, surah al-Insan is concluded with declaring that the Quran is a reminder and exhortation to all people, who are invited to believe in the Oneness of Allah and follow the teachings of the Quran.

76:29 Indeed, this is a reminder; so whoever wills, let him take a way to his Lord.

76:30 And you will not unless Allah wills. Verily, Allah is ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.

76:31 He admits whom He wills into His mercy, and as for the wrongdoers, He has prepared for them a painful torment.

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