The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And you are free (from sin, to punish the enemies of Islam on the Day of the conquest) in this city (Makkah). 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth 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 paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20