The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 to an orphaned relative 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20