The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of 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