The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20