Surah “The City, This Countryside”

as rendered by Linda “iLHam” Barto — 20 verses

Oh, I attest by this city [of Mecca] to witness.
You [Prophet Muhammed] are free from restriction in this city…
…and a parent and child.
Truly, We have created humanity into struggle.
Does he/she not think that there is a greater power above him/her?
He/she may boast, “I have spent abundant wealth.”
Does he/she not think that someone sees?
Have We not made for each person a pair of eyes [in order to see the right way]?
[Have We not made] a tongue [with which to ask for guidance], and two lips [with which to speak truth]?
[Have We not] shown him/her the two roads?
But (humanity) has made no haste on the road that is high.
What will explain what is meant by “the road that is high”?
It is giving freedom to the enslaved.
It is giving food during a time of famine.
[It is providing] for the orphaned relative…
…or any poor person in dire need.
Then he/she is among the believers and endorses patience and compassion.
Such people are the companions of the right hand.
Those who reject Our signs, however, are the companions of the left hand.
Over them will be walls of fire.