The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20