The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I do call to witness this City;- 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or some poor wretch 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 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20