The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he could not scale the steep ascent. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 Then he became of those who believed and enjoined on each other steadfastness and enjoined on each other compassion. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20