The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20