The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 to an orphaned relative 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20