The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20