The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20