The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I CALL THIS earth to witness -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 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 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20