The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20