The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially 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 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 It is freeing the neck, 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 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20