The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20