The Meaning of the Glorious Qur'ân, by M.M. Pickthall, at sacred-texts.com
96. al-`Alaq: The Clot
1 Read: In the name of thy Lord Who createth,
2 Createth man from a clot.
3 Read: And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous,
4 Who teacheth by the pen,
5 Teacheth man that which he knew not.
6 Nay, but verily man is rebellious
7 That he thinketh himself independent!
8 Lo! unto thy Lord is the return.
9 Hast thou seen him who dissuadeth
10 A slave when he prayeth ?
11 Hast thou seen if he relieth on the guidance (of Allah)
12 Or enjoineth piety ?
13 Hast thou seen if he denieth (Allah's guidance) and is froward ?
14 Is he then unaware that Allah seeth ?
15 Nay, but if he cease not We will seize him by the forelock -
16 The lying, sinful forelock -
17 Then let him call upon his henchmen!
18 We will call the guards of hell.
19 Nay, Obey not thou him. But prostrate thyself, and draw near (unto Allah).