The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I do call to witness this City;- 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and I swear by the parent and his 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 have wasted a great deal of 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 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20