The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 That We created man in toil and trouble. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the 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 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20