The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20