The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 or some needy person 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 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20