The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20