The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And shown him the two ways (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 It is freeing the neck, 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 to an orphaned relative 15 Or of a homeless needy person! 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20