The Holy Qur'an (Maulana Muhammad Ali)/90. The City

90. The City (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Nay, I call to witness this City! 

And thou wilt be made free from obligation in this City -- 

And the begetter and he whom he begot! 

We have certainly created man to face difficulties. 

Does he think that no one has power over him? 

He will say I have wasted much wealth. 

Does he think that no one sees him? 

Have We not given him two eyes, 

<section begin="90:9"/>And a tongue and two lips, <section end="90:9"/>

<section begin="90:10"/>And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? <section end="90:10"/>

<section begin="90:11"/>But he attempts not the uphill road; <section end="90:11"/>

<section begin="90:12"/>And what will make thee comprehend what the uphill road is? <section end="90:12"/>

<section begin="90:13"/>(It is) to free a slave, <section end="90:13"/>

<section begin="90:14"/>Or to feed in a day of hunger <section end="90:14"/>

<section begin="90:15"/>An orphan nearly related, <section end="90:15"/>

<section begin="90:16"/>Or the poor man lying in the dust. <section end="90:16"/>

<section begin="90:17"/>Then he is of those who believe and exhort one another to patience, and exhort one another to mercy. <section end="90:17"/>

<section begin="90:18"/>These are the people of the right hand. <section end="90:18"/>

<section begin="90:19"/>And those who disbelieve in Our messages, they are the people of the left hand. <section end="90:19"/>

<section begin="90:20"/>On them is Fire closed over. <section end="90:20"/>