The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is the freeing of a slave; 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20