The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he did not venture to scale the difficult steep. 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 Then he became of those who believed and enjoined on each other steadfastness and enjoined on each other compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20