The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 On them is fire closed over. 20