[96:1] Read in the name of your Lord Who created.

[96:2] He created man from a clot.

[96:3] Read and your Lord is Most Honorable,

[96:4] Who taught (to write) with the pen

[96:5] Taught man what he knew not.

[96:6] Nay! man is most surely inordinate,

[96:7] Because he sees himself free from want.

[96:8] Surely to your Lord is the return.

[96:9] Have you seen him who forbids

[96:10] A servant when he prays?

[96:11] Have you considered if he were on the right way,

[96:12] Or enjoined guarding (against evil)?

[96:13] Have you considered if he gives the lie to the truth and turns (his) back?

[96:14] Does he not know that Allah does see?

[96:15] Nay! if he desist not, We would certainly smite his forehead,

[96:16] A lying, sinful forehead.

[96:17] Then let him summon his council,

[96:18] We too would summon the braves of the army.

[96:19] Nay! obey him not, and make obeisance and draw nigh (to Allah).