The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20