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 the parent and the offspring, 3 We have certainly created man into 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 think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they are those on the Left Hand (the dwellers of Hell). 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20