The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or a needy person in misery 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 hand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on 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