The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 For you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) are in this city. 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20