The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20