Quran with SFH Series: Surah Al Balad

Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri

We are reminded of the sacred oath that humans have taken, by housing the Divine Light within our bodies. The combination of both in one, is insan, who struggle to reconcile these two realities. The only way to reconcile this turmoil, is to dissolve oneself and transcend to the Ultimate Light.

The nature of the mind is to blame and claim innocence. Its shadowy nature will always try to justify its existence. Once embedded with emotions- there is havoc. Restrict its work to outer world tasks, rather than the ego's desires for fame, glory and validation, amongst other expectations.

The way to resolve the conundrum is to release yourself, your neck from the suffocation of your illusions and to give nourishment to those who are destitute, in whatever way is appropriate.

Each one of us are orphans (yateem) and destitutes (fakir) asking for compassion, and the Qur'an has many examples referring to mankind as such.

Since we are in the zone of duality, one aspect of us tries to reach for Divine Attributes like Generosity, Kindness, Clemency, rendering our body, our balad (city), as healthy as possible, if not, we will find ourselves filled with anger and suspicion, and other poisons-causing all sorts of depressions.

The key to our contentment is that our loyalty should always be to the One and only boundless and Eternal One along with the practice of all blessings being attributed to the One who has provided them, failing which, we will reach a disastrous end.

Translation by Shakir:

1. I do call to witness this City;-
2. And thou art a freeman of this City;-
3. And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;-
4. Verily We have created man into toil and struggle.
5. Thinketh he, that none hath power over him?
6. He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance!
7. Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?
8. Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?-
9. And a tongue, and a pair of lips?-
10. And shown him the two highways?
11. But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep.
12. And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?-
13. (It is:) freeing the bondman;
14. Or the giving of food in a day of privation
15. To the orphan with claims of relationship,
16. Or to the indigent (down) in the dust.
17. Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.
18. Such are the Companions of the Right Hand.
19. But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand.
20. On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round).