The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 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 think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what do you know what that difficult steep is? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20