I swear (or call to witness) this City (Mecca),
And you (Muhammad) are a dweller of this City!
And the (mystic ties) of Parent and Child!
We have surely created man in suffering (struggle, trouble, sorrow).
Does he think that none has power over him?
He says, "I have squandered wealth in plenty;"
Does he think that no one sees him?
Have We not made for him two eyes
And a tongue, and two lips?
And guided him in the two highways?
But he has not attempted the ascent!
And what will explain to you the ascent?
It is freeing captives (or prisoners, slaves, the restricted or bound),
Or feeding on the day of privation,
An orphan who is a kin,
Or a destitute lying in the dust (of misery);
And again (it is) to be of those who believe and encourage each other to patience, and encourage each other to mercy,
These are the fellows of the right!
But those who disbelieve in our signs, they are the fellows of the left,
For them is the enclosing Fire!