The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ NAY! I call to witness this land 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he believe that none 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 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 Of a related orphan, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 Then he became of those who believed and enjoined on each other steadfastness and enjoined on each other compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20