The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20