The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower 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 two eyes 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20