The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20