The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20