Living Quran

Surah Al-Insan (The Man)

Al-Insan means "The Man" or "The Human Being"; the surah is also known as Ad-Dahr, meaning "Time" or "The Epoch."

Surah Al-Insan is the 76th chapter of the Quran, traditionally classified as Medinan, comprising 31 ayahs in the 29th juz. It is also widely known as Ad-Dahr. The surah opens by reflecting on the creation of the human being from humble origins and on God's guidance, leaving each person free to be grateful or ungrateful. Its central passage describes the reward of the righteous in Paradise, portraying their comfort and honor as recompense for lives of sincere devotion, patience, and selfless charity given for the sake of God alone. It highlights virtues such as fulfilling one's vows and feeding the needy, the orphan, and the captive without seeking reward or thanks. The surah then turns to the nature of the Quran as a reminder and encourages steadfast worship, patience, and remembrance of God. It closes by affirming that guidance comes through God's will and mercy.
Surah number
76
Revelation
Medinan
Ayahs
31
Arabic
الانسان

Read Surah Al-Insan online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

  • The creation and origin of the human being
  • Human freedom to be grateful or ungrateful
  • The reward of the righteous in Paradise
  • Selfless charity and feeding the needy for God's sake
  • Fulfilling vows and patient devotion
  • The Quran as a reminder and the call to steadfast worship

Why this surah matters

Al-Insan is well known for its moving portrayal of the righteous and their reward, and especially for its emphasis on selfless generosity to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. Many Muslims traditionally regard its verses on charity as a model of sincere giving that seeks no reward but God's pleasure. The surah is commonly recited in certain traditions, and it holds a valued place in devotional literature on gratitude and human responsibility. Scholars traditionally classify it as Medinan, though some hold parts to be Meccan.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Surah Al-Insan have two names?

It is called Al-Insan ("The Man") after its opening theme of the human being's creation, and also Ad-Dahr ("Time") after a word appearing early in the surah.

Is Al-Insan Meccan or Medinan?

It is traditionally classified as Medinan, though some scholars consider parts of it to be Meccan.

What is the surah best known for?

It is known for its description of the reward of the righteous in Paradise and its emphasis on selfless charity given purely for the sake of God.

Read Surah Al-Insan

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