The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And shown him the two ways (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 a slave; 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or the poor 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 These are the people of the right. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20