The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I do call to witness this City;- 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he did not venture to scale the difficult steep. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 or to a destitute lying in 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 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20