The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 an orphaned relative 15 or some needy person 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 people of the right. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20