The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 to an orphan near of kin 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 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20