The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 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 is fire closed over. 20