The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20