The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or, in a day of famine, the feeding of 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20