The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is the freeing of a slave; 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20