The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 Of a related orphan, 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they are those on the Left Hand (the dwellers of Hell). 19 On them is fire closed over. 20