The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 And you are free (from sin, to punish the enemies of Islam on the Day of the conquest) in this city (Makkah). 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 an orphaned relative 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20