The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20