The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 That We created man in toil and trouble. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20