The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 an orphaned relative 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel 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 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20