The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 For you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) are in this city. 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions 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