The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 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 fellows of the righthand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20