The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 in which you are now living 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on 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